asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any efforts have been made by the Department of Agriculture to find markets for surplus barley in countries outside Saorstát Eireann; and, if so, whether any success has attended such efforts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MARKETING OF SURPLUS BARLEY.
The Department have had the situation in markets for barley, both in and outside the Free State, closely under observation since the crop was harvested, and I am satisfied, from the information at my disposal, that between the combined purchases of the maltsters, millers and the exporting grain merchants, the bulk of the crop is in process of being cleared. In regard to any of the crop not thus disposed of, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a similar question from Deputy Aird on 11th ultimo, in which I stated that barley growers would be well advised to take advantage of the alternative outlet afforded them by utilising barley for the feeding of pigs and other farm stock.
Could I not have some direct reply as to whether any markets have been found through the Department of Agriculture outside Saorstát Eireann?
Mr. HOGAN
The reply I have given the Deputy is that the information which I have, especially during the last week, is that practically all the barley in the country will be disposed of, either in Ireland or in England.
Or in England?
Mr. HOGAN
Yes, they are shipping it every day.
Has the Minister any information about a market for barley in Continental countries? I understand that a considerable export is going on from South Wexford, and that that market has been found by a humble co-operative society. It seems rather curious that the Department of Agriculture cannot do, with the immense resources at its disposal, what a very humble co-operative society can do.
Mr. HOGAN
I do not know any humble co-operative society in this country. But take Wexford: there are a number of merchants in Wexford who are able to ship and handle barley pretty effectively. The Deputy can take it from me that if they can get a return of one shilling net more from the Continent, it is very natural that they will send it to the Continent. To be candid, I cannot say if certain firms in Wexford are shipping to the Continent; but, if so, it is because they are getting a better price. If they are getting a better price on the Continent, they are giving a better price to the farmers. It is only a question of price, and you can take it from me that the shippers will go to the market where the price is highest.
Unfortunately there are other people concerned as well as the shippers. I know that this situation exists, and while barley is being exported at a middling price from Wexford to the Continent——
Mr. HOGAN
What is the price?
About 15/- a barrel— in another barley-growing district the barley growers are going to very big pig-feeders and begging of them to take the barley off their hands at 10/- and 11/-. That is rather an awkward and a bad situation.
In view of the Minister's advice that the farmers should keep the barley for themselves——
Mr. HOGAN
I did not give any such advice.
I think you did.
Mr. HOGAN
I said that if they had any to spare they should feed it.
Well, in view of that, then, has the Minister taken into account the resolution passed by the Wexford County Committee of Agriculture?
Mr. HOGAN
I do not think I received it.
They got an acknowledgement from you stating that it was receiving your consideration.
Mr. HOGAN
In answer to Deputy Moore, would the Deputy give me the names of these barley growers who are selling first-class barley for between 10/- and 11/- a barrel and I will be a customer for at least twenty tons?
I invite the Minister to inquire in the parish of Monasterevan.
Mr. HOGAN
You cannot get barley at less than 14/- a barrel.
The best malting barley is being sold at 11/- a barrel in the parish of Monasterevan, County Kildare, a barley growing district.
Mr. HOGAN
Does Deputy Ryan agree with that?
I can vouch for it.
We cannot have a debate about it.
Will the Minister state whether his Department will advise farmers to grow barley and estimate it as a paying crop for feeding pigs at present prices?