asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the total quantity of wheat which it is proposed to convert into animal feeding stuffs during this year, and (b) the amount of subsidy to be made available to the flour millers for the consequent reduction in the price of any of this wheat held by them; and further, whether such wheat would be fit, in a suitable grist, for human consumption.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conversion of Wheat for Animal Feeding.
The total quantity of wheat to be converted into animal feeding stuffs this year will depend on the demand for feeding grain up to next harvest. It is anticipated, however, that not more than 15,000 tons will be disposed of in this way, the estimated cost to the Exchequer is about £150,000.
The wheat proposed to be released for animal feeding stuffs was harvested in bad weather conditions. It could be used in a grist for flour production but only if mixed with an abnormally high proportion of imported wheat.