asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state (a) when he approved of an ex-factory price of £8 per ton for "XXX" superphosphate; (b) the approximate dates of arrival of cargoes of phosphate rock at Dublin for manufacturers during the past 12 months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Superphosphate Prices.
As regards the first part of the question the ex-factory price of £8 per ton for XXX superphosphate was approved by me on January 27th. I understand that the price was put into operation by the manufacturers on February 1st. As regards the second part of the question the Deputy will have observed that for September, 1939, and subsequent months, a summary only of imports and exports has been issued. On grounds of public policy, it has been decided not to publish for the present, in any form, more details than are given in this summary.
Would the Minister give reasons for sanctioning the increase?
I gave them in reply to a Parliamentary question last week.
The Minister has not given them now.
I was not asked to do so.
I think that Parliament is entitled to some information as to when recent consignments of phosphate rock arrived in this country. Deputies are not satisfied that there is any justification whatever for an increase of 35/- a ton. Does the Minister not agree that if we do not get that information from him, we cannot make up our minds as to whether there is justification for it or otherwise? Does the Minister not agree that he should provide this information?
The Deputy can, of course, come to any conclusion he wishes. I have examined the circumstances relating to the costs of production of XXX superphosphate and have come to the conclusion that a price of £8 a ton is justifiable in the circumstances.
Is the Minister aware that it is sold in Northern Ireland, in County Fermanagh, at £6 10s. per ton?
I am quite aware that there are a number of commodities being sold in Northern Ireland and Great Britain at lower prices than obtain here.
Will the Minister say when the last cargo arrived?
I will not.
Would the Minister say that the manure ring is on the plunder again?
The very contrary is the case.