asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the scarcity of agricultural workers and the dangers threatening the agricultural industry, particularly the production of grain, milk, and bacon, he will agree to the setting up of a commission, representative of producing farmers and agricultural workers, to arrange prices of agricultural produce generally, to provide for reasonable profits for farmers and their families and reasonable wages for the agricultural workers, so as to encourage them to remain on the land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Agricultural Produce.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state when the Bill for the setting up of a tribunal for the fixing of agricultural prices will be brought before the Dáil for discussion.
As questions numbered 33 and 34 relate to the same subject, I propose, with your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, to take them together.
Legislation will shortly be introduced to provide for the establishment of a permanent tribunal or commission to advise as to appropriate producers' costs for agricultural products. It is not yet possible to say when the Bill will be ready for introduction.
Will this Bill be enacted in time to enable provision to be made for wheat prices in the coming year? Will the commission be in operation and will it have made the necessary investigations to enable wheat prices for the coming year be reviewed?
I can give the Deputy the assurance that the Bill be introduced here as quickly as I can have it prepared and then it will be a matter largely for the House to determine when it will become law.