asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the reasons for the levy of 5/9 per barrel on wheat bought not for milling into flour but for animal feeding, as this wheat is not for export.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Levy.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the quantity of wheat millable for flour delivered to the milers this season will be less than the specified amount and that there will be no surplus for export, he will make arrangements for the immediate payment to farmers of the 5/9 per barrel deducted from the price of their wheat for the specified purpose of subsidising the export of surplus wheat.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if in view of the severe losses sustained by farmers as a result of the very severe weather during the past summer he will give favourable consideration in respect of all wheat delivered to the mills for the current season to the non-application of the levy imposed under the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) (Amendment) Act, 1958.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 57 and 58 together.
There can be no question of refunding the levy collected on millable wheat.
Is there no supplementary? What about the Adjournment? How about the Adjournment?
Order!
He is mute of malice.
He is asleep. Somebody should wake him up.
He might be able to go home early.
I cannot be heard, Sir.
If the Minister tries, I will endeavour to get a hearing for him.
We are all anxious to hear Deputy Corry.
Or Deputy Dillon on beet.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state under what authority An Bord Gráin or their agents deduct a levy of 5/9 per barrel from the price of unmillable wheat purchased by them for animal feeding.
The wheat being purchased on behalf of An Bord Gráin is being purchased as millable wheat at the prices fixed for such wheat under the Wheat Order, 1958.
The standard to which wheat must conform in order to be classed as millable is that it must be:—
(a) commercially clean,
(b) in sound and sweet condition.
Levy is payable in respect of this wheat under Section 2 of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) (Amendment) Act, 1958. The rate of levy is fixed by the Wheat Levy Order (S.I. No. 171 of 1958).
Is the Minister aware that that Order was made only on October 15 and that this levy had been carried on without any legal authority up to that time? I doubt even if the last Order gave authority for a levy on unmillable wheat.
I may not be as well informed legally as the Deputy, still I am prepared to take the risk on the advice that has been tendered to me.
We will give the Minister a trial anyway.