asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that jam manufacturers are offering only 10d. per lb. for the 1955 raspberry crop, and, if so, if, in view of the fact that 1/- per lb. was paid for the 1949 crop, he will have the matter investigated with a view to having a better price offered for this year's crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Raspberry Crop.
I understand that the jam manufacturers have offered the same price as last season for the 1955 raspberry crop. As the Deputy is aware the home market for soft fruit is protected and as there are no restrictions on exports, growers are accordingly free to dispose of their produce at the best possible prices obtainable on the home market or abroad.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is it not foolish to suggest that soft fruit can be exported when there are no facilities for the preserving of soft fruit in this country, and is it not a fact that soft fruit is being imported by the jam manufacturers at a much higher price than is being paid to the local people? Will the Minister not consider at least supplying a chairman to the meeting which takes place between the jam manufacturers and the fruit growers in order that a price might be fixed for supplies of soft fruit to the manufacturers?
I will have the Deputy's remarks conveyed to the Minister, but I should like to point out that in a normal year the importation of raspberry pulp is not permitted until the home grown crop is exhausted.
Further arising out of the reply, is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that in answer to a query a few weeks ago I was given figures to prove that a big quantity of pulp was imported last year despite the fact that raspberries were left on the growers' hands because they were not given a sufficient price?
I am not so aware.