asked the Minister for Agriculture if, with reference to the Taoiseach's statement on 5th October that it is the intention of the Government to maintain stable and guaranteed prices for wheat, beet, barley, milk and grade A pigs, he will state (a) by what method it is proposed to maintain such prices; (b) for what period, and in what manner, the guarantees will operate; (c) by what method such prices are, or will be, calculated; and (d) what is, or will be, the guaranteed price for each product.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Agricultural Produce.
(a) By methods similar to those which are in successful operation today and by any further methods that may be deemed desirable and practicable.
(b) The policy of guaranteed prices is not limited to a period; the actual prices guaranteed from time to time for the various products in accordance with this policy will be expressed to operate for periods determined in relation to the particular circumstances affecting each product.
(c) By reference to all factors relevant to an expanding production based on a sound agricultural economy.
(d) With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I shall circulate in the Official Report particulars of the price guarantees at present in operation. Any changes in these prices would be announced at an appropriate time.
Following is the statement:—
PRICES AT PRESENT IN OPERATION
WHEAT
|
Bushel Weight |
Price per barrel for wheat sold during the periods indicated |
|||||
|
To 30th November, 1956 |
December, 1956 |
From 1st January, 1957 |
||||
|
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
|
|
63 lb. or over |
72 |
6 |
75 |
0 |
77 |
6 |
|
60 lb. or over but less than 63 lb. |
70 |
0 |
72 |
6 |
75 |
0 |
|
57 lb. or over but less than 60 lb. |
67 |
6 |
70 |
0 |
72 |
6 |
|
Less than 57 lb. |
65 |
0 |
67 |
6 |
70 |
0 |
The prices quoted are subject to the following deductions:—
(a) if the screenings content exceeds 4 per cent., 6d. per barrel for each 1 per cent. (or part of 1 per cent.) by which such screenings exceed 4 per cent.;
(b) if the moisture content exceeds 26 per cent., 2s. per barrel for each 1 per cent. (or part of 1 per cent.) by which such moisture exceeds 26 per cent.
The prices stated above are for wheat delivered to the purchaser's premises or to the grower's nearest port, railway station or canal depot. Where a purchaser takes delivery at a grower's premises, he is required to deduct 1s. per barrel for collection and transport.
SUGAR BEET
111s. 6d. per ton of 15.5% sugar content, with an adjustment upwards or downwards of 7d. per ton for each 0.1% sugar content above or below that level. The cost of freight by rail from the grower's nearest railway station to the factory is also paid, and, in addition, 4d. per ton is paid if the distance from the farm to the station exceeds 3 miles. Growers delivering by road receive rail freight rates.
BARLEY
Not less than 40s. per barrel.
GRADE A PIGS
A minimum price of 235s. a cwt. dead weight delivered to the factories.
MILK
Liquid Milk.
In the Dublin and Cork City areas the following prescribed minimum prices are payable to registered producers for milk sold to registered wholesalers and retailers:—
|
PERIOD |
||||||
|
Month of april |
For the months May to August inclusive |
For the months September to March inclusive |
||||
|
per gal. |
per gal. |
per gal. |
||||
|
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
|
|
For milk delivered at the purchaser's registered premises |
2 |
8 |
1 |
10 |
2 |
8 |
|
For milk delivered at railway station nearest purchaser's registered premises |
2 |
7¾ |
1 |
9¾ |
2 |
7¾ |
|
Where milk is delivered at the registered premises of the producer or at a collection place agreed upon with the purchaser, and the distance by public road between the producer's registered premises, or the collection place, and the purchaser's registered premises— |
||||||
|
(a) does not exceed 10 miles |
2 |
7 |
1 |
9 |
2 |
7 |
|
(b) exceeds 10 miles but does not exceed 20 miles |
2 |
6¾ |
1 |
8¾ |
2 |
6¾ |
|
(c) exceeds 20 miles but does not exceed 30 miles |
2 |
6½ |
1 |
8½ |
2 |
6½ |
|
(d) exceeds 30 miles but does not exceed 40 miles |
2 |
6¼ |
1 |
8¼ |
2 |
6¼ |
|
(e) exceeds 40 miles |
2 |
6 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
6 |
CORK SALE DISTRICT
|
Period |
For Milk sold to Period Registered Wholesalers |
For Milk sold to Registered Retailers |
|
|
If delivery is taken at Producer's Premises |
If delivery is taken elsewhere |
||
|
per gallon |
per gallon |
per gallon |
|
|
From 1st May to 30th September |
1s. 10d. |
1s. 10d. |
1s. 11d. |
|
From 1st October to 30th April |
2s. 6d. |
2s. 6d. |
2s. 7d. |
Creamery Milk.
Prices are assured through the guaranteed price for butter, which at present is 431s. 8d. a cwt. (including a subsidy of 49s. 8d. a cwt.).