asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the total quantity of potatoes imported into the State under licence for each of the months April, May and June, 1973; and the reasons for such imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Imports.
126.
Imports of potatoes under licence in each of the months of April, May and June, 1973, totalled 1,711 tons, 2,463 tons and 991 tons respectively. All these imports were for processing and were allowed because of scarcity of suitable supplies for the purpose on the home market.
Would the Minister please give me the figure for June again? I did not hear it.
That was my fault. I apologise, Sir.
The figure was 991 tons.
Is the Minister aware of the concern among potato growers in my constituency and, I am sure, in other constituencies also, regarding the importation of potatoes in such large quantities during those months and will he ensure that, in future, Irish growers are consulted prior to such imports being allowed?
At the time these imports were permitted, potatoes were £90 per ton on the Irish market. The supply was confined to one week and the potatoes had to be used before the end of the week but, in fact, the supply was not a full week's one. The imported potatoes were solely for the purpose of conversion into crisps.
Would the Minister not agree that our early potato producers should have some protection and should be consulted before import licences are granted? They should have been consulted before a licence was granted for the importation of such a large quantity of potatoes. Potatoes may have been fetching £90 per ton in the shops but the producers were getting no such price.
The quotation from Cork was £90 per ton during the week concerned.
I am calling Question No. 127.
Would the Minister agree——
The Chair has given Deputy Allen a lot of latitude. We must move on to the next question.