asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the preliminary statement on crops and live stock issued by the Central Statistics Office reveals substantial reductions in (a) corn crops, (b) root and green crops, and (c) the cattle and pig populations in 1955 as compared with 1954, and, if so, what action he proposes to take to arrest this reduction in agricultural production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Production.
I do not accept the implications of the Deputy's question, but I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that an expansion of the output of the agricultural industry to a level which will enable us to export enough to pay for all the imports required to maintain a high standard of living for our people is eminently desirable. To this end I have asked the farmers of the country to collaborate in a five-year plan (1) to raise the cow and heifer population to 2,000,000; (2) to increase our output of pigs; (3) to extend our tillage; (4) to improve our grassland. To these ends, I have asked farmers in respect of (1) where they kept five cows heretofore, to keep seven in future, and those who kept ten, to keep 14, and those who kept 20, to keep 28; and if their equipment makes it impossible for them to milk the extra cows at present, then they should let the calves milk them, and they will find this a most profitable investment. Those who have land suitable for sheep should increase their flocks. It is now possible for every farmer to protect his live stock from contagious abortion, white scour, fluke and other parasitic diseases, and farmers should consult their veterinary surgeons so as to ensure that they suffer no loss from these causes in the future. In regard to (2) I have asked farmers to breed more pigs and to feed them on barley grown on their own holdings and with skim milk, or, where that is not available, a suitable animal protein supplement.
I have directed the attention of farmers to the guaranteed prices available for wheat, beet and feeding barley and I have urged them to collaborate with the agricultural instructors and parish agents for the improvement of their grasslands, with special emphasis on the need for the use of greater quantities of lime, phosphate, potash and nitrogen. I believe that if all farmers will collaborate in this programme, we have every reason to anticipate the satisfactory increase in our agricultural output for which, I feel sure, the Deputy shares my hopes.
Is the Minister aware that this sheet, published by the Central Statistics Office, shows that his activities during the last 12 months— ably helped by the Minister for Industry and Commerce, I must admit— succeeded in giving the farmers a reduction in their income of between £15,000,000 and £16,000,000? Is he aware that this sheet shows a reduction in every branch of tillage and in live stock, and the only thing left for the Minister now is to travel around with a shepherd's crook looking after the extra sheep?
Is this a question?
I want to know from the Minister what he is going to do about it? We saw his previous activities here and we saw the result of them; and I want to know is the Minister going to take any action in view of this sheet published by the Central Statistics Office, which shows a reduction in the farmer's income of over £5,000,000 in wheat alone?
Is the Deputy finished asking his question?
I want to know what the Minister is going to do?
The answer to the Deputy's supplementary question is that I am not so aware and that anyone who believes what the Deputy says he believes must, in my considered judgment, be regarded as haywire.
I am afraid it is so long since the Minister was at school that he is not able to read now. I intend raising this matter on the Adjournment to-night.
I will communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.