asked the Taoiseach the total acreage under tillage (a) in 1954 and (b) in 1966; and the reasons for the decline.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tillage Acreage.
6.
The total acreage under tillage in June, 1954 was 1,808,190 statute acres and in June, 1966 it was 1,261,900 statute acres.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the acreages under the principal crops in these years.
Following is the statement:
Acreages under the principal crops, 1954 and 1966.
|
1954 |
1966 |
|
|
'000 acres |
||
|
Corn Crops: |
||
|
Wheat |
486 |
131 |
|
Oats |
533 |
243 |
|
Malting Barley |
88 |
135 |
|
Other Barley |
75 |
327 |
|
Total (including Other) |
1,187 |
841 |
|
Root and Green Crops: |
||
|
Potatoes |
292 |
167 |
|
Sugar Beet |
74 |
54 |
|
Turnips |
120 |
108 |
|
Other |
121 |
81 |
|
Total |
607 |
411 |
|
Fruit, Horticultural bulbs, bushes, etc. |
14 |
10 |
|
Total Ploughed |
1,808 |
1,262 |
Can you give us any reason now for the decline in tillage.
I am delighted. Were you not always against tillage?
Your Party cut tillage by 25 per cent in the past ten years because you were not prepared to pay the producer a just price.
Question No. 7.