asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state what steps are being taken to secure delivery of supplies of Belgian superphosphate, in view of the removal of the tariff hitherto chargeable on such imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Superphosphate.
I am informed that several firms which in previous years imported superphosphate from Belgium endeavoured during the past few months to obtain supplies from that country, but were unable to do so owing to the fact that the Belgian Government has refused to grant export licences. I understand that these firms have again approached Belgian manufacturers, presumably in anticipation of the removal of the import restrictions (duty and quota) which only becomes effective to-day. Pending the outcome of these further approaches, it is not possible to indicate the steps, if any, which it may be found possible or desirable to take in the matter.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, has he approached the Belgian Minister in Dublin with a view to facilitating the release of supplies from a country with which we dealt largely in this commodity for years? Surely the Belgian Government is not going to close down on us completely in view of our past trade with them.
The fact is that the Belgian Government has prohibited the export of superphosphates.
Has the Minister approached his colleague, the Minister for External Affairs, and asked him to make vigorous diplomatic representations to the Belgian Government to get licences for the export of quantities of superphosphates to this country, the general prohibition notwithstanding?
Is the Minister aware that there is a shortage of superphosphates in the country, a definite shortage compared even with the amounts required last year? If tillage is to be doubled in this country, how does the Minister think we are going to manure the increased tillage this year?
I am aware there is a shortage. Has the Deputy any suggestion to make as to how that shortage can be overcome?
Yes. Will the Minister now ask his colleague, the Minister for External Affairs, to take up this matter with the Belgian Government at once, requesting that Government to make a way, despite their general prohibition, in favour of this country, as the British Government have done in respect of many commodities for the benefit of this country, in view of our protracted trading relations with Belgium? Surely what the British Government have been prepared to do for this country the Belgian Government ought to be prepared to do for it, especially in view of the trade which the Minister has been responsible for putting in the way of the Belgian State during the last seven years.
I presume the Deputy does not think his idea is original. The fact is that the Belgian Government has refused licences, and has persisted in refusing licences.
Have representations been made to the Belgian Government that the British Government, although they had made a general prohibition in regard to certain commodities, made a special concession in regard to this country in view of past trading relations, and that the Belgian Government should at least do that much? Have any such representations been made?
I do not think that we can discuss the policy of the Belgian Government here.
I am asking the Minister if he has made such representations.
I must refer the Deputy to the reply I have already given.
Therefore, the Minister cannot tell us whether any diplomatic activities are proceeding in order to secure these essential supplies for the farmers of the country.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, has any progress been made through the Belgian Minister here?
The fact is that no progress has been made.
Has every attempt been made that should have been made, or is the position this, that the Minister has definitely thrown up the sponge?
I again ask the Deputy to read the reply which I have given. It answers all the questions that are being asked.
That is quite untrue.
I hope that the newspapers will publish the Minister's statement in full.