asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in respect of the period 1st March, 1956, to 1st March, 1957, (a) the total tonnage of home-grown wheat delivered to Irish mills and the average price per ton paid for such wheat, (b) the total tonnage of soft wheats imported and the average delivered price per ton of such wheat, (c) the total tonnage of hard wheats imported and the average delivered price of such wheats, and (d) the reasons for importing soft wheats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home-Grown and Imported Wheat.
During the period 1st March, 1956, to 1st March, 1957, 319,255 tons of dried home-grown wheat were delivered to the flour mills, at an average delivered price of £34 15s. 4d. per ton, in respect of the 1955 crop, and £35 12s. 0d. per ton in respect of the 1956 crop.
During the same period, 42,005 tons of soft wheats were imported, at an average price, delivered mill, of £30 17s. 6d. per ton, and 105,882 tons of hard wheat, at an average price, delivered mill, of £33 6s. 8d. per ton.
As regards the last part of the question, the type of imported wheat to be purchased is determined by the flour millers with due regard to the types of flour to be produced. The maximum quantity of such wheat permitted to be used in grists for the production of subsidised flour is, of course, controlled.