asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is yet in a position to state the price to be paid to producers for feeding barley of this year's crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Feeding Barley.
I hope to be in a position to make a statement regarding feeding barley shortly.
Does the Minister consider, in view of the stringent comments of his colleagues in previous years, when I was unable to do so before the end of February, that his inability to give a price for feeding barley on the 12th February reflects upon the effectiveness of his administration?
The present Minister is considering and considering very carefully all the tremendous issues—I say, tremendous issues—of great importance that arise in regard to the determination of this whole question and, whatever about the time at which the announcement will be made, I think all the factors that are bound up in the consideration of this matter are certainly worthy of the most extensive consideration before any frivolous or misleading announcement is made.
The Minister will bear in mind that the current policy has produced a record crop of feeding barley, and the minimum imports of coarse feeding stuffs in our recorded history. He will be slow, I trust, to depart from that policy, bearing in mind its results to date.
I have a recollection of hearing Deputy Dillon 20 years ago denouncing the policy which affected the costs of raw materials of the agricultural industry, and of our most important industry, and made them greater than they might otherwise be. The Deputy seems to have abandoned that line of thought and line of action.
The Minister is aware that I introduced new varieties of barley into the country, of which the Minister knew nothing.
The Minister is aware that the best barley in the world could be imported at £6 or £7 a ton less than the price at which the best Irish barley could now be obtained. The Minister further realises that those who feed that barley, and are engaged in that particular type of production, are going to be considered. The Minister will consider most the interests of those who have to work hardest.
The Minister is aware that the last barley brought into this country was imported just 12 months ago, in January, 1957, by Deputy Dillon, then Minister for Agriculture, at a price of 50/- a barrel.
Unless otherwise desired, that concludes Question Time.
If it suits, we have no objection.
Mr. Lemass
Some Ministers and Deputies have assumed that the remaining questions will be left over until to-morrow.
We would like to facilitate you.