asked the Taoiseach what quantities of nitrogenous fertilisers have been exported from this country during the year 1969; and at what price per ton.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nitrogenous Fertiliser Exports.
3.
Exports of nitrogenous fertilisers are not separately recorded for statistical purposes. Total exports of manufactured fertilisers during 1969 amounted to 28,375 tons at an average fob price of £18 per ton.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say how this price compares with the price which Irish farmers will have to pay?
That is a separate question.
It is a fair question, surely, arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply.
The price last year, when a very small quantity was exported, was £26 2s per ton.
So that there is a difference of £8 a ton. The Irish farmer is paying £8 a ton more.
I am not saying that at all. I am saying that the export price last year, when a nominal quantity was exported, was £26 a ton.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not know that it was not possible to get nitrogen here at less than £23 a ton? That is a difference of £5 a ton. There should be some explanation.