andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture why his Department were unable to accept the invitation to join in the study of marketing of wheat and of quality regulations recently carried out in certain European countries by An Foras Talúntais.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Study of Wheat Marketing.
50.
This invitation was not accepted as it was not convenient at the time to release a suitably qualified officer from the Department's staff. As indicated in the report published by An Foras Talúntais, the project was supported in part by aid from the Counterpart Technical Assistance Fund through my Department.
51.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to that part of the report furnished by An Foras Talúntais on the marketing of wheat in Norway, Sweden, West Germany, France and the Netherlands, in which it is stated that, as distinct from the position in Ireland, standards of millability are prescribed by the State in all these countries; and that, in conjunction with those standards, there is a system of appeal available to growers of grain or grain merchants whereby samples can be tested at a State-controlled laboratory; and, if so, if he is now prepared to adopt similar arrangements here.
I have seen the report in question. I had, however, previously obtained information on the implementation of standards of millability in other countries through my own officers.
The whole position in regard to native wheat is being examined in the context of Common Market conditions and pending the result of that examination I do not propose to make any statement in regard to the second part of the Question.
In view of the fact that, according to the Taoiseach and every other member of the Government who has spoken, we are likely to be members of the European Economic Community by 1st January, 1964, does the Minister intend to have the necessary investigations carried out and plans put into operation in connection with this matter by the time Ireland's application is decided upon?
I am hopeful.
I think the Minister is daft.