asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether his Department has made any inquiries regarding the possibility of importing seed wheat and, if so, at what price; and whether, in view of the amount of adulteration in wheat here, he will permit the importation of pure strains of wheat of any variety suitable to our requirements, that can be procured.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Seed Wheat.
Arrangements have been made for the assembly and distribution this season of a substantial quantity of pedigree seed wheat of winter and spring varieties. By the assembly of the produce of this seed and the propagation of further quantities of pedigree seed of suitable varieties, it is hoped to make available to growers next season a quantity of high-class seed sufficient to sow a large proportion of the 1947 wheat crop.
In the circumstances, I do not propose to grant permits for the importation of seed wheat generally. I have, however, permitted the importation of some quantities of pedigree seed wheat to supplement the home-grown supply. I understand that the price, free on board at Liverpool, of this seed was 83/4 per barrel.
What percentage of our total requirements does the 43,000 barrels of pedigree seed represent?
I suppose not more than 10 per cent.
Is the Minister not aware that there is a considerable amount of adulteration in ordinary commercial seed? If it is possible to get a pure line seed of better standard than we have ourselves, should the Minister not consider allowing a quota of imported seed in?
It is being allowed in. The amount that we would get in any case is infinitesimal compared to the total requirements.
Every quantity helps. I think the Minister ought to reconsider the matter.