asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that if an increased price is not guaranteed for this year's tobacco crop there is likely to be a considerable reduction in the amount of tobacco grown and a consequent decrease in the labour employed, and whether in these circumstances he is prepared to guarantee an increased price for this year's crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tobacco Crop.
I anticipate that the progressive decline in the area under tobacco and in the number of persons engaged in growing that crop will continue this year. The Tobacco Act, 1934, does not empower me to guarantee in advance a price for tobacco, which must be determined in any year at the time of the valuation of the crop, in relation to the price of imported tobacco of corresponding quality. This price cannot be foreseen. It is not intended to increase the bonus payable to growers in respect of their tobacco.