asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state the reason why the Government has not provided a subsidy per acre in respect of potatoes and other essential tillage crops.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acreage Subsidy.
I consider that the present methods adopted for obtaining the production of our requirements of essential food and feeding stuffs are more suitable in all the circumstances than the payment of a subsidy per acre.
Is the Minister aware that as a result of tillage subsidies in Great Britain, particularly on potatoes and other essential foodstuffs, production of these commodities has been increased by over 70 per cent., and is the Minister further aware that during the past couple of years there has been a decline in the acreage under potatoes and several other essential crops?
Where?
In this country.
The increased production in Great Britain since the war commenced is not very different from what it is here.
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of tillage subsidies in Great Britain, prices of foodstuffs have been kept at a reasonable level, a very substantial increase in the cost of living has been prevented and a very serious condition of inflation has been avoided?
One can always prevent crises by giving people less.
Question No. 20.
I think the Minister has evaded my question.
The next question has been called.
I protest against the failure of the Minister to reply.
To protest is not to ask a question.
I consider that the Minister is evading this question. I protest most emphatically.
The Deputy has protested. We have passed to the next question.
I protest against the Minister's attempt to evade the question.
The Deputy has done so.
I refuse to sit down.
The Deputy is now trying to do what he should have done on his own motion.
Question No. 20.
I demand a reply from the Minister. I insist that the Minister must reply to this question.
The Deputy cannot so insist. Neither can the Chair. Question No. 20.
I insist that the Minister must reply to this question.
Is the Minister to treat the House with contempt?
The Minister attempted to evade this question on the motion that was sponsored by this Party. He is still persisting in his evasion. I insist that the Minister must reply to this question.
The Deputy, having refused to obey the Chair, will withdraw from the House.
I protest against the action of the Minister and I withdraw from the House.
The Deputy must withdraw at once.
I also protest against your ruling, Sir.
The Deputy should not attack the Chair in that fashion.
I think the Minister is acting——
The Deputy has been ordered to leave the House for the remainder of this day's sitting and must do so at once.
——in a very unfair manner in evading the question.
The Deputy seems anxious to be named.
I protest, Sir.
The Deputy withdraw from the House.