asked the Minister for Agriculture (1) the amount of maize imported from 1st August, 1962 to date, (2) the countries from which it was exported, and (3) why such imports were necessary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maize Imports.
26.
82,808 tons of maize were imported in the period from 1st August, 1962, to 31st May, 1963, which is the latest date up to which figures are available. All the imports were from the USA, with the exception of 400 tons from Argentina, the Six Counties and Britain. These imports were necessary to meet demand from livestock feeders and to comply with our obligations under the Agreement with the USA for the importation of maize against our sugar exports.
Would the Minister not agree that, if a slightly better price had been given for feeding barley, the occasion for these imports would never have arisen?
Apart from any other questions, the Minister will have to have regard to the fact that increased prices for feeding stuffs would not have a good effect in other ways.
Am I to take it from the Minister's reply that he considers it to be more economic for this country to import maize rather than grow it here at home?
If the Deputy looks at the increase in the barley acreage and the present price level, he will see that the price cannot be too unsatisfactory.
Surely the fact that the Minister has to import such large quantities of maize does suggest that the price is not satisfactory?
You have to have regard to the constant and substantial growth in the acreage and production of barley. You cannot expect it all to happen overnight.
There is no growth in the acreage of barley; it is reducing.