asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if licences will be granted for the importation of seed oats; and from what source importation will be permitted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Seed Oats.
28.
Under the terms of the Free Trade Area Agreement the Government has undertaken to maintain opportunities for the importation of 4,500 tons of seed grain of United Kingdom origin of which not less than 800 tons shall be seed wheat. As supplies of native seed oats are not sufficient to meet our full requirements licences have been issued for the importation of 3,700 tons of Spring seed oats of specified quality standards from the United Kingdom. If this quantity cannot be procured arrangements will be made to secure our requirements from other sources.
I may add that I am examining the whole position in relation to seed oats with a view to securing a substantially increased production from home sources.