asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity of potatoes for which export licences have been granted since 1st August, 1945.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Licences for Potatoes.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received representations from farmers or others in Offaly who had large quantities of Arran Banner seed potatoes on hands and could not get merchants to purchase them, as there was no home market for them, and could not secure export licences; if he is aware of the consequent severe loss to farmers as several tons of these potatoes decayed in pits on their farms; and if he will state what action his Department has taken on this very urgent matter.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that there are large quantities of potatoes which producers are unable to dispose of, he will take such steps as may be necessary to encourage the immediate export of whatever surplus is available.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a substantial surplus of potatoes in the country which producers are unable to dispose of; and if he will say whether he will consider having those potatoes purchased immediately with a view to exporting them to help to relieve the food problem in Europe.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 18, 19, 20 and 21 together.
Representations have been made that there are large quantities of seed potatoes, particularly in West Offaly, for which there is no market. I am informed that the total quantity of seed potatoes which are surplus to home requirements is relatively small. Throughout the season there was an export market available, capable of absorbing all surplus seed potatoes of the prescribed standard. Export licences were issued for 12,280 tons but actual exports fell short of this amount by 3,828 tons. There is a limited quantity of surplus ware potatoes in the country and arrangements are being made for their disposal.
Am I to understand that the grievances of the potato growers in West Offaly will be relieved without delay as a result of whatever action the Minister proposes to take?
I think it likely that they will be relieved so far as ware potatoes are concerned but there is no further sale for seed potatoes.
Am I to understand that the 600 tons of potatoes in West Offaly are to be permitted to rot in the pits, despite the fact that there is a good market abroad for such potatoes? Will the Minister consider granting permits to have these potatoes exported rather than allow them rot in the pits?
I have said that export permits were issued but they have not been all filled up.
If the merchants in this area who have secured 600 tons of potatoes apply for export licences, will the Minister see that such export licences will be granted?
I am not aware whether these merchants have any of the licences which have been already issued and which have not been filled. I am not sure if the potatoes have been offered, but if the market is available export licences will be available. Of course, it depends on the country to which they want to send them. The export quotas to most countries, except Great Britain, have been filled, I understand.
Could not something be done in that line in regard to potatoes sent to Europe by the Red Cross?
Ware potatoes will be dealt with for the Continent.
Is the Minister aware that in practically every county there is a surplus of ware potatoes and that this is a matter of extreme urgency, because the potatoes will deteriorate rapidly now? Will he make arrangements for the export of these potatoes to the Continent, if possible?
We are making inquiries.
The Minister realises there is a surplus?
We believe there is.
Am I to take it that as a result of the steps which the Minister is now taking, the situation in West Offaly will be relieved?
I want to make it clear that the export quota to some countries is not filled. In the case of others it is filled. If a market can be got in Britain for these potatoes a licence will be given.
By whom is the quota fixed?
The quotas are fixed by negotiations between the various Governments.
Will the Minister take long to make such arrangements as he can, because this is a matter of extreme urgency?
There should be no delay.