asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider paying farmers the full millable price for the first 100 barrels of wheat in the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Wheat.
34.
The wheat pricing arrangements for the coming season which have already been announced provide for the payment by growers of a levy on all millable wheat if a surplus over milling requirements is produced.
If total production of millable wheat is considerably above milling requirements a substantial levy on all wheat will be necessary. If, however, the first 100 barrels from each grower were to be excluded from the levy arrangement circumstances could arise under which it would not be feasible to impose a levy on the balance which would meet the cost of the disposal of the surplus. In these circumstances I regret that I cannot accept the Deputy's proposal.
Does the Minister appreciate that, if the same amount of wheat is grown next year, the price may be cut by as much as 10s per barrel?
If the same amount of millable wheat is produced next year there may be a certain reduction in price. The amount will depend on the amount grown and on the harvest.
In view of the policy of the Government heretofore to encourage more tillage, and in view of the fact that farmers' overheads are increasing, does the Minister think this is fair and just as far as our primary producers are concerned?
The Minister thinks this is a rational way to deal with the position.
Is the Minister aware that in 1956 the farmers were getting more for their wheat?
The Minister is aware that wheat farmers never had a better year than this year.
Thanks be to God and to the good weather, not to the Government.