asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that since the reply of the Minister for Industry and Commerce of 25th October, 1956, the price of maize meal has been further increased by 10/- a ton, and if he will state the reasons for this increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Price of Maize.
As the Deputy is already aware there is no statutory control over the price of maize meal or maize meal mixtures. On and from 19th November, 1956, the quantity of maize and milo maize which may be sold by Grain Importers (Éire), Limited, has been reduced from 20 per cent. to 10 per cent. of the quantity sold in the datum period. No change has been made in the price of £27 a ton, carriage paid to the purchaser's nearest railhead, which has been in operation since 14th May, 1956. As a result of the reduction in the allocation of maize and milo maize an increased quantity of home-grown barley is being used by millers. As the cost of the home-grown barley in some areas is higher than the present price charged. for maize and milo maize an increase in the price of maize/milo/barley mixtures in those areas may have resulted. Farmers themselves can help to overcome these price variations by producing as far as possible their own requirements of feeding barley.