asked the Taoiseach the total quantity of potatoes imported into the State during the year ended 31st December, 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Imports.
5.
The total quantity of fresh potatoes imported into the State during the year ended 31st December, 1975 was 1,587 metric tons.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary the figures available for exports of potatoes for the same period?
No, I have not.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the price of potatoes is escalating daily and has now reached astronomical figures? Would the Government take steps to prohibit the export of potatoes in order to try to control the price——
This is a statistical question and the Deputy is now entering into the area of policy which is a matter for another Minister.
I put down a Private Notice Question today about this matter, which is very serious and urgent. Yesterday the price of potatoes, wholesale, on the Dublin market——
This is not a matter for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach.
I merely want to find out whether the Government or the Minister for Industry and Commerce propose to stop the export of potatoes in order to control their price because, while exports are allowed, the price will continue to rise almost daily, as it is at present.
Question No. 6.
I take it the Government do not propose to do anything? They do not——