asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the scarcity of seed potatoes, he proposes to restrict their export; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Seed Potatoes.
172.
Exports of seed potatoes are confined to certified seed potatoes exported through Irish Potato Marketing Ltd. The bulk of home seed potato requirements consists of uncertified seed obtained from growers' own crops or from neighbouring growers. Exports of seed potatoes by Irish Potato Marketing Ltd. are made up mainly of varieties grown specially to meet export requirements and which are not normally in demand by home growers. This season such exports have been kept at the minimum level required to maintain our valuable export trade in seed potatoes.