andMr. Cronin asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why farmers cannot obtain nitrogen and nitrogenous fertiliser from their suppliers; and if he will make a full statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nitrogen Supplies.
55.
I understand that at present imported sulphate of ammonia and high nitrogen compounds are available from suppliers, but that straight nitrogen in the form of CAN is in short supply, despite a 30 per cent increase in CAN production by NET this year. The shortage is due to a fall off in imports and increased demand on the home market.
With a view to easing the situation, NET are investigating the possibility of purchasing substantial quantities of CAN from abroad. The imported CAN could, of course, be considerably dearer to the farmer than the home product.
I do not wish to delay the House but I am not taking from the importance of the question to the Minister by saying that I have a question of grave national importance down for the last two weeks. It is Question No. 116 on the Order Paper and with the rate of progress today it is unlikely we will arrive at it. I should like to have that question raised on the adjournment.
The Chair can do nothing about that. The Deputy is aware he can get a written answer to the question, but the Chair can do nothing about altering the order of questions as they appear on the Order Paper.
I am not taking from the importance of the others but this matter is of grave national importance.
Under Standing Orders the Chair can do nothing. All the Chair can tell the Deputy is that he can obtain a written answer from the General Office.
Can I raise it on the adjournment?
No, the Deputy may not. It is too late today. The Deputy may raise it on another occasion.