asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the quantity of potatoes exported from Eire in each of the months as from January, 1940, to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Potatoes.
The Deputy will have observed that subsequent to August, 1939, a summary only of the value of imports and exports has been issued. It has been decided not to publish for the present more details than are given in this summary.
Is the Minister not aware of the fact that 10,000 cwts. of potatoes are being exported each month and in view of that fact and the possible shortage of potatoes later, will he take steps to conserve food supplies for the benefit of our own people?
Is the Minister not aware that as a consequence people in small provincial towns are paying 1/4 per stone for potatoes?
That is a separate question. The Deputy's question related to the quantity of potatoes exported.
I also asked the Minister if he was aware that 10,000 cwts. of potatoes were being exported each month, and whether in view of a shortage he would take steps to conserve supplies for the benefit of our own people. Surely that is a relevant question?
It is. I am not so aware, but for the information of the House I wish to point out that the total quantity of main crop potatoes exported in the month of December, 1940, was six cwt.
What was the total quantity of all kinds of potatoes exported?
The total amount exported in 1940 was less than the amount exported in 1939.
The Minister does not know the quantity for one month, but from information at his disposal he answers portion of the question. Can he give the figures of exports of each month for January and February of this year?
I answered the question about the present exports. The Deputy's question was a misleading one.
Would the Minister say if potatoes were exported during last month and the month of January?
Seed potatoes may have been.
That is the only information the Minister has?
Of potatoes that normally go into consumption, the total export for the month of December was six cwt.
What was it in February?
Am I to take it from the Minister's reply to my supplementary question that he is not in a position definitely to say whether or not potatoes were exported in the month of February or January, of this year?
Is the Minister aware that in the months of January and February there is a big exportation of potatoes from County Monaghan into the Six County area?
I am not so aware.