asked the Taoiseach when the annual statistics for the grain and feed trade were last produced; and when they will be brought up to date.
Written Answers. - Grain and Feed Trade.
59.
The following is the up-to-date position in respect of statistics on the grain and feed trade:
1. External Trade — Data on the relevant commodities are released each month in the "Trade Statistics" publication. These statistics are classified according to the United National Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) Revision 3, but are also available at the level of detail of the Customs and Excise Tariff classification on request.
2. Crop Areas — Details of the area under various crops are collected each June. Provisional data for 1987 were released in September 1987 followed by the issue of a detailed regional analysis in January 1988.
3. Crop Yields and Produce — Estimates of the yields and produce of various crops are published annually in the June Statistical Bulletin. Results for 1987 were included in the recently released June 1988 Bulletin.
4. Crop Output and Supply/Utilisation Balances of grains, etc. — Preliminary estimates for 1987 of quantity and value information on the output of various crops were published in February 1988. Final data should be available during July.
The supply/utilisation balance for grains etc. are currently being revised back to 1973 following on the new series of output, input and income estimates.
Under the old series estimates have been supplied up to 1981-82.
The revision work requires a considerable staff input. Whilst every effort is being made to complete this work, it is not yet possible to give a definite date for the release of the new series.