asked the Minister for Agriculture the reason why the value of imports of agricultural produce from the U.S.S.R., Yugoslavia, and China has increased by seven hundred per cent. since 1957.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Produce Imported from U.S.S.R., Yugoslavia and China.
32.
Mr. Ryan
The bulk of the increase between 1957 and 1960 in the total value of imports of agricultural produce from the countries mentioned by the Deputy is accounted for by imports of feeding stuffs. My only function is to decide what quantities of such products the country needs and it is a matter for the importers to decide where they will make their purchases.
The balance of the increase in agricultural imports from the three countries mentioned is accounted for mainly by vegetable oils, tea and bristles. I have no function in relation to the import of these products.