asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider the introduction of a subsidy on fertiliser due to the dramatic fall in its usage.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Subsidy.
19.
The introduction of a fertiliser subsidy is not at present under consideration. Other measures being taken by the Government to improve the financial position of farmers and to promote farm confidence will, it is hoped, provide an adequate stimulus to increased fertiliser use where this is needed.
Is the Minister aware of the dramatic fall in the use of fertilisers during 1980?
Yes, I am aware that there was some fall.
In view of that, does the Minister not consider that a subsidy would encourage the use of fertilisers?
As I have said on numerous occasions in the past, subsidy on fertilisers or a national aid like that is not allowed under the common agricultural policy.
Surely the Minister knows there is another way around that?
Will the Minister tell the House the percentage decrease in the use of fertilisers during 1980?
It is not on an annual basis. However, for 1979-80 as compared with the previous year, the figure in respect of nitrogen was 6 per cent and it was 15 per cent in respect of potash and phosphate. I am sure Members of the House will have read in today's newspapers a report of increased activity in the fertiliser sector.
Did the Minister say that subsidisation in respect of fertilisers was not allowed under EEC regulations, under the common agricultural policy? If so, how does he explain the fact that a subsidy was in operation from 1973 to 1977?
There was a subsidy on phosphate from 1958 to 1978 and on potash from 1960 to 1973. The phasing out of those subsidies was in line with EEC policy.
I am calling Question No. 20.
That is the difference between policy and the law—
I have allowed quite a number of supplementaries on this question. I am calling Question No. 20.