asked the Minister for Agriculture whether in view of the fact that grass seeds are so much dearer this year than for many years past, and that they will be almost three times last year's price and can hardly be sold under 5/6 per stone, he will state whether it is intended to repeal the duty of 4/- per bag or three-pence per stone on imported grass seeds considering that there is not quarter enough grass seeds grown or saved in the Saorstát to supply the home demand.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Grass Seeds
Dr. Ryan
According to the information at my disposal the prices of Perennial and Italian Ryegrass seeds show an increase of approximately 100 per cent. over last year's prices. This increase exists not only in the Saorstát but also in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and other countries, and is mainly due to the shortage of the crop in 1933.
The duty of 2/- per cwt was imposed with a view to encouraging and extending the production and machining of Ryegrass seeds in the Saorstát. Hitherto the bulk of such seeds grown here were exported in the rough, uncleaned condition, while the greater portion of the home requirements of Ryegrass seeds was imported in the machined state.
Following the imposition of the duty this machining is being carried out in the Saorstát, and at present there are ample stocks of home-machined Perennial and Italian Ryegrass seeds available. The removal of the import duty would not, therefore, materially affect prices in the home market.
The seeds of natural or permanent grasses are admitted, under licence, free of duty.