asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the price paid for flax fibre in Eire is according to grade 5/- per stone less than the price paid in Northern Ireland; and, if so, if he will have immediate representations made to the British Government to have this anomaly removed forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Flax Fibre.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.
From what source was the bonus paid?
It was paid by the buyers on behalf of the British Ministry of Supply.
It was paid by the British Government then?
Yes.
And 1/6 a stone was the amount of the bonus?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that growers in Northern Ireland receive 5/- a stone more than growers in Eire?
The Deputy is wrong in that.
Is it not true that the growers in Northern Ireland get £10 an acre of a bounty?
That is right.
Divide that by the number of stones per acre and you will see that they do get the 5/- per stone more.
It depends on the yield. With a very good yield the price would be the same.
But the grower is getting £10 per acre in Northern Ireland.
If there is a good yield, the net price received by the farmer here is the same as by the farmer in Northern Ireland.
The net price in the North of Ireland is 30/- a stone with the bonus of £10 per acre. What is the minimum price here?
The range of prices here is from 26/- to 31/6, while in Northern Ireland it is from 25/- to 30/-.