asked the Minister for Agriculture the capacity of plants available for the milling of wheat for the flour industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Milling Capacity.
2.
The capacity of flour mills depends on the number of shifts operated by each mill but the existing mills have quite sufficient capacity to produce all our requirements of about 250,000 tonnes of flour per annum.
Is the Minister aware that since Ranks Mills closed there has been a drop of 30 per cent in the total capacity? I should like to know from the Minister what strategy his Department will adopt to take care of this shortfall.
There is sufficient capacity in the existing mills to cater for our full demands which amount to 250,000 tonnes. This necessitates some of the mills working three shifts in the day and others working two, but the home mills can produce the full amount required.
The Minister must be aware that last year farmers found it difficult to get wheat taken in at the intake points and with a further shortfall in the capacity the position will be quite serious this year. I would like to know what action he is taking just now. I want a "yes" or "no" to that.
I am not giving "yes" or "no" answers if I cannot clarify the position properly. The position is that a number of the existing mills have increased their capacity substantially and we are confident they will be able to meet the demands in the current year.
Is the Minister satisfied there is sufficient storage capacity as against milling capacity?
I have no information to the contrary. My Department are quite happy that there is.
(Limerick West): Is the Minister aware that the mills traditionally have a bias against Irish wheat, especially quality winter wheat, and is he further aware that there are vast imports of wheat from the UK and that in itself is upsetting our balance of payments?
I am not aware of any such bias and I doubt if such a bias exists. I am quite happy with the prevailing situation and I have no complaints about it.
(Limerick West): There is a bias and I suggest that the Minister make himself aware of it.
I am sure if it existed it would be expressed and I have not seen it expressed.