asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the guaranteed price for wheat (a) in 1953 and (b) in 1966.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Guaranteed Wheat Prices.
30.
The basic price for millable wheat of the 1953 crop was 80/- a barrel. The price was reduced to 67/6 a barrel in 1955 — I hope Deputy L'Estrange notes the year — and since then it has been increased progressively to 87/6 a barrel in 1966.
Is the Minister aware that with the increased cost of production and the loss in the value of money, in order to get the equivalent, the farmers would want at least £5 5s or £5 10s per barrel for wheat now?
The Deputy should remember that the reduction took place in 1955.
Is the Minister aware that Fianna Fáil have been in power since 1957 up to now and it was only last year that they gave an increase of 10/-? Wheat was being sold last year at 70/- and the average price the farmers got in 1965 was 53/- per barrel.
I am aware since I was a little fellow that only for Fianna Fáil there would be no wheat grown in this country.
Do not be talking through your hat.
(Interruptions.)
I have asked a supplementary question——
Will Deputy L'Estrange please resume his seat?
Is the Minister aware that there is——
The Deputy may not monopolise Question Time. Question No. 31.
I have questions on the Order Paper and I am entitled to ask supplementary questions.
The Deputy has taken full advantage of his rights.
And I am going to ask them.
The Deputy will not monopolise Question Time. He is most disorderly.