asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the grave loss suffered by Irish farmers owing to the refusal of the British Board of Trade to allow strawberry runner plants into Britain last year; whether the British Ministry for Agriculture alleged that Irish plants were diseased; whether he has made any representations to the British Ministry for Agriculture on the matter, and, if so, with what result; whether the British farmers and market gardeners were satisfied with the purity of Mayo plants as evidenced by their increased repeat orders last season, but were prevented from importing plants from this country by the British Board of Trade; and whether, in the circumstances, he will establish a section in his Department for the certification of health of plants, so that this market will be available for Irish farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Strawberry Plants.
I am aware of the position regarding the export of strawberry runners from County Mayo. There are no grounds for the allegation that import licences were refused because our strawberry runners were diseased. As a war measure, the growing of strawberries in England has been curtailed in order to provide for the cultivation of more essential foods. In the circumstances, there is no need to establish a health certification system for strawberry runners intended for export.