asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the quantity of tomatoes covered by licences issued by his Department during the periods 6th May, 1966 to 22nd May, 1966, 20th May, 1966 to 5th June, 1966, 3rd June, 1966 to 12th June, 1966 and 10th June, 1966 to 16th June, 1966; and the quantity of tomatoes actually imported against these licences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tomato Import Licences.
26.
The quantities licensed during the respective periods were 508 tons 10 cwts; 357 tons 10 cwts; 103 tons 5 cwts; 76 tons 9 cwts.
It is not possible to state the quantities actually imported until the licences are returned to my Department.
I am sure the Minister knows that less than half the quantity for which licences have been issued has in fact been imported because it was confined to two groups.
No.
It could not be done otherwise.
No. In fact, we are permitted to allow in 850 tons under the terms of the Trade Agreement and I am fairly certain that the full 850 tons will not be imported in any event because our growers, in whom I am sure Deputy Clinton has as big an interest as I have, are in a position to supply first-class home-grown tomatoes.
They will be. They were not at this stage. Is it not right to say that the Minister issued licences for 850 tons?
We issued licences altogether for over 1,000 tons.
But approximately 250 tons have been imported—is that not right?
I should say more than that. I shall not know until I get the licences back.