asked the Taoiseach the value of processed and unprocessed vegetables and potatoes imported and exported in 1980.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vegetable Imports and Exports.
1.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the information requested by the Deputy.
Following is the statement:
Value of Imports and Exports of vegetables and potatoes in 1980.
|
Imports |
Exports |
|
|
£m |
£m |
|
|
Potatoes: |
||
|
Processed |
6.1 |
0.5 |
|
Unprocessed |
2.8 |
1.8 |
|
Other Vegetables: |
||
|
Processed |
22.0 |
6.0 |
|
Unprocessed |
9.9 |
4.9 |
As there are only two figures involved I would have thought the Minister of State could have answered without circulating a statement in the report. Could I have an answer?
It is circulated, of course.
I could quite understand a circulated statement if the answer were extensive, but it is not.
Imports of processed potatoes in 1979 were £4,032,000 and exports £479,000. In 1980 imports were £6,088,000 and exports £473,000.
No wonder he was not inclined to give it.
Is the Minister of State aware that the bulk of those vegetable imports, and potato imports for that matter, processed or unprocessed, are coming from third countries, countries outside the EEC? What efforts are being made to restrict these imports of foodstuffs which can be produced at home?
I do not disagree.
This is a statistical question. The Deputy is asking a policy question.
The Minister of State says that he does not disagree. Is he going to stop it by any chance?