asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that feeding oats of an inferior grade were imported recently from Canada, at a cost of 32/- a barrel landed at Dublin plus carriage to point of delivery; and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to ensure that future consignments from Canada, at this price, will be of a quality such as could normally be procured for the money involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Canadian Oats Imports.
There is no ground for the Deputy's suggestion that the oats imported recently from Canada for animal feeding were of inferior quality. On the contrary, I am satisfied that these oats were of good quality and will relieve to some extent the general shortage of animal feeding stuffs.
I have a sample which I will show to the Minister. It is anything but good. It is only screenings or tailings.
The Deputy is an extremely bad judge.
What is the bushel weight?
I could not say.
I think the bushel weight was good.
The hen is not a bad judge—a good judge. She will eat nothing but what is good. So is the horse. They leave this after them.
The racehorses are taking this oats.
They will not get many winners with it.
Can the Minister state if the oats were screened or graded since they came to this country?
No.
I saw a sample and I can vouch for the Deputy's statement that this oats is rubbish.
I have a sample that I can hand to the Minister.
All I can say is that the oatmeal millers and the owners of racehorses said that this was very good oats. I think members of Clann na Talmhan are the only ones who complained.
I am afraid you are not a good judge.