asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the great disquiet caused by the poor prices paid for whiting by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara at Galway docks; and if he will enquire into and indicate the reasons for this state of affairs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Whiting Prices.
27.
I am not aware that the prices paid for whiting by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara at Galway give grounds for disquiet. I am told that the price for whiting for processing is as high at Galway as at any other port. It must be appreciated that the economic price payable for fish for processing is governed by the price receivable for the finished product.
Does the Minister agree that 46 boxes of whiting landed at Galway were worth no more than £1 12, according to the receipt of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, No. 51580, dated 24th September, 1963? Does the Minister think that this is conducive to the boats landing fish at Galway?
It may be that the people of Galway do not eat as much fish as they should. I am aware that of the landings of whiting at Galway, only three per cent were used for fishmeal.It is a free market and they are free to send their fish to Dublin or elsewhere.
Is the Minister aware that certain elements are trying to depress the price of fish in Galway, the importers of fish fingerlings?
The Deputy is doing his share in trying to sabotage the fish effort.
They will not swallow that bait and I will not swallow the cod either.