asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the insufficient wheat harvest and the probable increased demand for potatoes consequent thereon, he will at once take the necessary steps to control and ration the available supplies of potatoes in order to secure that poorer sections of the community will not be deprived of equitable supplies at a later date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rationing of Potatoes.
The measures which are necessary and practicable to maintain an adequate supply of potatoes have been carefully considered and will be adopted.
Mr. Larkin
Does the Minister recall that early in the present year there was a grave shortage of potatoes in Dublin?
That is right.
Mr. Larkin
Surely it is not impossible to procure whatever percentage is required to ensure that poor people will receive adequate supplies. In view of the fact that there is a small wheat crop and a small potato crop this year, does the Minister want what happened last spring to happen next year?
No, I am entirely against the same thing happening next spring.
Could the Minister give an assurance that as far as the cities and towns are concerned steps will be taken to secure adequate supplies of potatoes at a controlled price?
Could the Deputy get anything more satisfactory than the answer I gave? I said that all measures necessary and practicable to maintain an adequate supply will be adopted.
Can we take it that the Minister realises that the necessary and practical measures will result in making available for the cities and towns a sufficient supply of potatoes at a price which consumers will be capable of paying? Will that be the effect of such measures?
I do not know what the Deputy wants me to do. Could the Deputy get a more satisfactory answer? I take it that all steps necessary and practicable will be taken.
Translated into action, does that mean, knowing the position of the potato crop at present, that people in the large cities and towns will he assured of getting potatoes until the next potato harvest at reasonable prices?
I hope so.