asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the quantities of home-grown tomatoes reaching the Dublin market during each of the last four weeks; (b) the prices realised in the Dublin market for such supplies; and (c) the price per lb. at which home-grown tomatoes were sold retail during the periods mentioned; further, whether he will state the quantities of foreign-grown tomatoes imported into Dublin during each of the past four weeks, the prices at which they were sold to the trade, and the prices at which they were sold retail; and whether he will make a statement in regard to the policy of his Department covering the importation of this commodity during the period that the home-grown varieties are in short supply, and are sold at prices which make it impossible for people of small means to buy them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Home-grown and Imported Tomatoes.
The quantity of foreign grown tomatoes imported into Dublin for distribution throughout the country during the weeks ended 1-6-46 was approximately 490 tons and during the week ended 15-6-46 195 tons. There were no imports during the weeks ended 25-5-46 and 8-6-46.
These tomatoes were sold by the importers to the wholesale trade at a price of 21/- per basket of about 26 lbs. and were retailed at the maximum controlled price of 1/4 per lb.
I have no official information in regard to the other matters referred to in the question, but I understand that limited quantities of home grown tomatoes reached the Dublin market during the past four weeks at prices varying from 3/3 to 4/6 per lb. The retail price varied from 4/6 to 6/6 per lb.
The question of policy in relation to the importation of tomatoes is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture.
Mr. O'Sullivan
Would the Minister not agree that until such time as home growers are in a position to supply the market at reasonable prices it is only commonsense that tomatoes should be available to the overwhelming section of the community at prices prevailing during the last few weeks? I may say that tomatoes, generally speaking, have taken the place of eggs owing to their food value, and are much appreciated in the home. The ban on the importation of tomatoes is considered a great grievance.
Heresy.
The power of regulating the importation of tomatoes lies with the Minister for Agriculture. Perhaps the Deputy would address a question to him.