asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to reports that unmillable wheat, fit for cattle feed, is being exported; and if, in view of the fact that cattle feed will be in short supply this winter, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unmillable Wheat.
6.
I am aware of reports of exports of unmillable wheat. I understand, however, that only small quantities have, in fact, been exported. Under the common agricultural policy free movement of cereals between member states must be permitted. This assures us of full access to grain stocks within the EEC which is of far greater advantage to our livestock feeders than the loss through export of small quantities of unmillable wheat.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider setting up some kind of board? The Grain Board was demolished by a stroke of the pen and surely there should now be something to replace it. The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that this board used to buy all unmillable wheat and subsidise it through the poorer parts of the west. We understood there would be another board to replace the Grain Board, but nothing ever happened and the result is there is now nobody to buy except the millers and they can export whatever they like. The EEC has nothing to do with this. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider setting up some type of State board?
As I indicated in my reply, the amount of unmillable wheat exported is relatively small. It is exported to Northern Ireland and, by virtue of our membership of the EEC, we cannot prevent unmillable wheat being exported to Northern Ireland. In so far as the latter part of the question is concerned, I can assure the Deputy that both the Government and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are mindful of special problems arising in the Deputy's constituency and in the western part of the country generally and appropriate steps are being taken to deal with these problems.
Why would the Minister not buy the grain himself?
There is nothing in the EEC regulations against that. The millers cannot be stopped, but the Minister could buy it. That is what the Grain Board was doing until it was wiped out by a stroke of the pen.
It is open to people in any part of the country to buy stocks of unmillable wheat, if they so desire.