asked the Minister for Agriculture whether in view of the fact that farmers are not able to sell oats for feeding purposes he will take steps to ensure that no feeding oats are imported.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Feeding Oats.
26.
As indicated in the reply given by me on 2nd November to a question put by Deputy Cunningham, I have so far this season refused all applications for licences to import feeding or milling oats in order to facilitate the disposal of stocks of good quality home-grown oats, for which there is a demand. Growers, in their own interests, should market without undue delay such quantity as they may have for sale.
While the position has not changed since then I would inform the Deputy that I may find it necessary to license imports of oats later on during the year.
I should like to direct the Minister's attention to the fact that certain people in this country will not use Irish oats or anything of Irish manufacture. Is the Minister aware that there is a large number of farmers who have disposed of oats at less than £1 per barrel and also a number of farmers who have oats on their hands for which they cannot get sale? Would the Minister assure the House that except in the most extreme difficulties no feeding oats will be imported?
I should like to be informed of the places in which reasonably good oats is available and for which a customer cannot be found.
Is the Minister aware that the position in Donegal is, as reported officially, that 70 per cent. of this season's oats is still available and that only five per cent. of the crop in Donegal is of bad or fair quality?
The Minister is conscious of the fact that in any season such as the one through which we have passed there is always bound to be this type of campaign on behalf of those who have and those who want. Those who grow oats, whether in sufficient quantity to meet requirements or not, will naturally wish to see the prohibition retained so that the price will be driven up for them. There are other interests to be considered, too. There are the oatmeal millers as well as the horse breeders and trainers. In all this matter one has to try to keep a balance that is fair. I am naturally anxious to protect to a reasonable extent the people who grow oats here and that I am prepared to do. However, as I have indicated, those who have oats should offer it for sale when the price is reasonably good because I cannot, and will not, hold my hand for them forever.