asked the Minister for Agriculture the quantity of potatoes indicated to him as lying on farmers' hands in the district normally served by the Cooley alcohol factory, County Louth.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Supplies in Cooley (Louth) Area.
11.
The quantity of old season potatoes in the Cooley black scab area, the district normally served by the alcohol factory, is negligible.
Is the Minister aware that potatoes reach the alcohol factory from not alone the Cooley black scab area but also from Monaghan and parts of Meath? Is he further aware that old season potatoes are in large supply there and have been sold in the area this week in quite large quantities at £3 per ton for animal feeding?
The Deputy asked:
the quantity of potatoes indicated to him as lying on farmers' hands in the district normally served by the Cooley alcohol factory.
I answered the question addressed to me. I can say further that, as I told the Deputy on the last occasion on which a similar question was addressed to me, my information is that the quantity of potatoes in Louth is, on the whole, very small.
Arising out of that reply, if the facts are as the Minister states, and the quantity of potatoes in the area normally supplying Cooley Factory is negligible, could the Minister tell us why has he refused to allow the factory to take in all the surplus potatoes in Monaghan and has directed them to be transported to the factory in North Donegal, carriage paid, when, in fact, they could be received in Cooley?
Simply because the company with whom we discussed the matter thought it was unreasonable to ask them to reopen, and remain open, for such a small quantity of potatoes as were available. It was known also that the quality in many cases was of a very low standard. Having regard to these factors, I thought myself that the company were not unreasonable in saying they would, while still in operation, accept tenders for these potatoes, namely, in the Carndonagh factory.
Surely the Minister will agree with me that it is most unreasonable, in view of the fact that these very alcohol factories were set up as a social service, to dispose of surplus ware potato, that the small farmers in Monaghan or Cavan should be asked to send their potatoes, carriage paid, to Carndonagh rather than have them received for conversion into alcohol at Cooley when that factory is operating under its capacity owing to a scarcity of supply in the Cooley black scab area? Is the Minister aware that under a scheme promoted by him, he has authorised the issue of documents to farmers in Monaghan, in view of their considerable number, authorising them to send their potatoes to Carndonagh? That seems to have no regard at all to the legitimate interests of the small farmers of the Counties Monaghan and Cavan.
One has to have regard to all the factors that arise in a matter of this kind. When we discussed this matter with the company, and having regard to the information, information as reliable as it could be expected to be, as to the quantities available, I felt the company's attitude was not unreasonable and that they should not be asked at this time, in the middle of July, to open up for a very small quantity of potatoes of very doubtful quality. I think what has been done is a reasonable effort to meet the situation as fairly as possible.
It puts a charge of £2 per ton on the potatoes.
How does the Minister explain the fact that in the last week potatoes were sold as low as £3 per ton for animal feed, if they are so scarce?
I am aware, and I am sure the Deputy is aware, that there were quite a number of opportunities all during the year for the disposal of these potatoes. I am quite aware that, when people gamble with the market and retain supplies in the expectation that prices will go higher, something very often turns up and the gamble does not work. A problem, of course, then arises. It is not possible, when a gamble is taken, to rectify the position in the middle of the month of July so that those who took the gamble will not suffer.
This was not a gamble. Does the Minister not agree that the position was that there was a poor trade for a certain type of white potato for chipping and, because of that, these were unsaleable?
For most of the season, is was possible to dispose of potatoes at a reasonably satisfactory price.
Not for a certain type of white potato.
Question No. 12.
Might I ask a question?
I have called the next question.
Is it a fact that because he has——
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 12.
Does Deputy Cunningham——
The Deputy will resume his seat.
Might I ask Deputy Cunningham——
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Harte will resume his seat. I have called Question No. 12.