asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that huge quantities of raw phosphate are now being freely exported from North Africa; and if he will state what quantity he has secured or hopes to secure for the use of our farmers during the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Raw Phosphate.
I understand that phosphate rock is being exported from North Africa, but I have no definite information as to the volume of these exports. Details of our requirements have been submitted to the appropriate authorities who, however, have not yet indicated whether supplies will be made available for this country.
Arrangements have been made for the shipment of a cargo of phosphates from North America, but the shipping position is at present so uncertain that I cannot say whether further cargoes can be arranged from that source.
Would the Minister say whether, if further cargoes of phosphate can be brought in, no opportunity will be lost in availing of such facilities?
The Deputy may be assured of that.
Can the Minister say whether our small ships will be fit for the journey from Casablanca to our shores with quantities of raw phosphate?
The difficulty is not one of shipping, but it would appear that our prospects in the coming year may not be as good as they were in the last year.
Is it entirely a question of shipping in regard to the importation of phosphates?
I should say that it is unlikely that we shall have the same amount of phosphates imported as we had last year, so far as we can visualise our prospects.
I am talking about phosphates.
I am talking about our prospects of importation, and the prospects look as if we shall not be able to bring in as much as we were able to bring in last year.
The prospects are not so good?
No.