Vol. 273 No. 5
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the control he has exercised or intends to exercise on the future export of nitrogenous fertilisers that have been scarce on the home market; and if he will make a statement on the position.
57.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of a serious shortage of nitrogenous fertilisers in this country recently; and, if so, the steps he has taken to prevent the exportation of these products.
58.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the commitments exporters of nitrogenous fertilisers have on hands at present; and the cuts, if any, he intends to apply to safeguard the home market.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 57 and 58 together.
As indicated in my reply to questions on 25th April, I am aware that supplies of nitrogenous fertilisers in the country are tight.
The export of fertilisers, except under licence from me, is prohibited. However, this control operates only for record purposes in connection with fertiliser subsidy payments, and under the provisions of the Treaty of Rome exports to other EEC countries may not be restricted.
I am not aware of any outstanding commitments for the export of nitrogenous fertilisers. However, the Deputy will appreciate that I would not necessarily know of any commitments entered into by private firms.
Is the Minister aware that in a previous reply to me it was stated there was an export of nitrogenous fertilisers because there was a commitment entered into some months previously and I am now asking the Minister to ensure that fertiliser firms do not enter into any such commitments while there is a scarcity on the home market?
That was, I think, a commitment entered into by NET. That has now been met. During the period July, 1972, to June, 1973, 11,000 tons were exported and exports during the period July, 1973, to June, 1974, will not exceed 9,000 tons. On 23rd May the Minister, in reply to a question, said there would be no further export of nitrogenous fertilisers by NET in this fertiliser year apart from a possible shipment of 150 to 200 tons to Northern Ireland. The company, however, is not deeply committed to making this shipment.
Will the Minister ensure that they will not be able to circumvent the Minister and say later they had already entered into a commitment?
I will bring it to the notice of the Minister.
