asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how many licences he has issued for the importation of seed oats; and to whom he has issued such licences.
34.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Seed Oats.
33.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries from what countries the importation of seed oats will be licensed.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
Licences have been issued to 137 firms for the importation of seed oats.
It is not the practice to reveal the names of firms to whom licences issue.
Under the terms of the Free Trade Area Agreement the Government have 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. In order to comply with the terms of the Agreement licences have been issued for the importation of 3,700 tons of seed oats of specified quality standards from the United Kingdom. From the information available to my Department it does not appear that the full quantity allocated will be imported. A survey is therefore being made in order to ascertain the total availability of seed oats, both home-grown and imported and if it transpires that sufficient supplies are available to meet requirements no further licences will be issued for the importation of seed oats.
Could the Minister say why it is important to keep secret the names of the firms that get these licences?
That is a question which I have been asking myself, but I have more to do than chase an answer to it at the moment.
(Cavan): The Minister's hands are full at the moment.
It has been the convention not to publish them. As I read the reply the thought occurred to me: "Why not?" This is the convention in regard to many other types of licences as well.
Would the Minister consider publishing the names by having them circulated with the Official Report?
I might consider it, but I would not say that that is what I propose to do.