asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he proposes to take to prevent the daily escalation in the price of potatoes which arises from depletion in supply following widespread illegal exportation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Prices.
24.
If stocks of potatoes are being depleted by illegal exportation, control over the wholesale and retail prices of potatoes would, in my view, do nothing to solve the problem, but would only exacerbate it. I am, however, keeping the price of potatoes under constant review and if there are any feasible measures which I can take to relieve the present situation, the Deputy can rest assured that I will be prepared to take them. I should add, however, that there is a genuine shortage of potatoes not only in Ireland but throughout Europe.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, because of the extremely high price, the consumption of potatoes in the past month or so is running at about 40 per cent of the consumption for the corresponding period last year? Is he aware of the hardship this causes to many of the least well off people in the community?
I have no figures of the decline in consumption but I imagine a decline something in the nature of that indicated by the Deputy could be taking place.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary concerned about that situation and will he take any steps to endeavour to rectify it?
Of course I am concerned about the situation. I can tell the Deputy that in the past week there have been substantial reductions in the retail price of potatoes which appear to vindicate the action taken by the Government.
What action?
What action?
The Deputy is showing a lamentable ignorance in relation to this matter. The Government decided last week to announce that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries would be prepared to consider applications for imports of potatoes. There have been substantial reductions in the retail price of potatoes in the past week——
Because of consumer resistance.
—— of which I will be very glad to give the Deputy details.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that up to yesterday the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries had not got one single application for a licence to import potatoes?
I am not aware that that is the case.
It is.