asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the assistance he intends to give to the horticulture industry in view of the recent increases in the cost of fuel oil for heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horticulture Industry Aids.
44.
The horticulture industry continues to have available to it a number of aid measures under Department schemes. It is not proposed to introduce any additional measures at this stage.
Since the Minister felt a subsidy of 5p was warranted from 1st July to 31st December, 1974, when the price was much lower, and felt that a subsidy of 2p was warranted for the first six months of 1975, again when the price was much lower, in view of the increase in the budget yesterday which will bring the price of a gallon of fuel oil up to about 25p or 26p, would the Minister not agree that a subsidy is warranted this year?
When we had discussions with the horticulture industry about a month ago they made it quite clear that they were not looking for a subsidy on oil. They had a very good year in the tomato industry last year, as the Deputy probably knows because he lives in the centre of part of it. He cannot make the case that the industry had a bad year last year. A considerable amount of aid is available to them already without talking about oil.
I did not suggest they had a bad year last year. Since last year the cost went up over the December period by about 3p or 4p. The cost went up again yesterday in the budget by another 3p or 4p.
By 2p. Do not exaggerate.
Plus VAT which will be another 1p or more. In a six month period it will now cost another £1,000 to £1,500 to heat an acre of glass. Surely the Minister will reconsider his decision on a subsidy for the horticultural industry.
I would not be able to discuss the economics of the industry with the Deputy, and I do not think he could either. Perhaps somebody gave him that figure.
Question No. 45.
One final supplementary.
The Deputy may not dictate to the Chair.
I am merely asking for a final supplementary. Would the Minister not reconsider his decision in regard to the fuel oil subsidies in view of the savage increase since December?
No. Unfortunately, any increases in the budget have to be borne by the various sectors on whom they have been imposed.
Despite the effect on the horticultural industry?