asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the reason why a representative from the Advisory Council of Agriculture was not invited to attend the meeting of representatives from his Department, the Maize Millers of Éire, the Department of Supplies, and Grain Importers (Éire) Limited, at which a maize meal admixture was agreed upon and prices for oats and barley fixed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maize Meal Admixture Conference.
It is presumed that the Deputy refers to the Agricultural Production Consultative Council established by me under Section 11 of the Agriculture Act, 1931. It is not part of the functions of such council under the Act to appoint representatives to attend meetings of the nature referred to in the Deputy's question.
What is this council appointed for? What are its functions?
To advise me.
Does the Minister not think it absolutely necessary in a case of this sort to have representatives of the producers present—the people who are bearing the brunt of the whole struggle—so that he will have the opinions of all interests concerned when a price is being fixed? It was high-handed to let the poor devils who are the hewers of wood and drawers of water——
Am I going to answer or is the Deputy? I had producers present and got all the information I could from the producers. It was as a result of learning the position from the producers—that they had oats and barley on their hands which they were anxious to sell—that the Minister for Supplies and I asked, the millers and others to meet us and to discuss the position with us.
I should like to know what producers were present.
I consulted the producers before we met the others.
What producers were consulted?
There are 400,000 producers in this country. The Deputy may not know them all.
The Minister consulted at least one or two. Would he name those he consulted?
No, I shall not.
Deputy Allen.