asked the Minister for Supplies if, in view of the recent Press announcement that arrangements are being made for the importation of Canadian oats and maize, he will say whether he has considered as an alternative the importation of wheat so that the present percentage extraction could be reduced, thus providing bran and pollard as a more suitable pig feeding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Grain.
It has been decided to arrange for the importation of oats from Canada to supplement the quantity of oats which may become available from the native harvest to meet the requirements of oatmeal millers. It is not clear that the quantity of native oats delivered to millers will be adequate to ensure a full supply of oatmeal.
The importation of maize will be undertaken only when shipping space for all other essential requirements, including the re-establishment of the wheat reserve, has been provided. It is not possible to indicate what quantity of maize may be imported, but it will be small in relation to pre-war imports. It will, however, be available to supplement home-grown feeding stuffs in order to encourage a greater production of pigs.
For a number of reasons, including its reaction on flour and bread prices and the need to create a reserve of wheat against future contingencies, it is not considered wise to alter the present extraction of flour from wheat.
Will the Minister reply to the latter part of the question? Has the alternative been considered?
Yes. The last paragraph was in answer to that.