asked the Minister for Agriculture how many applications for imported seed wheat, oats and barley were received by his Department from farmers in the season 1945-46; and how many applicants were allocated imported seed, and in what quantities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imported Seed.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the amount of seed wheat, oats and barley imported in the season 1945-46; and if he will state how and to whom such seed was allocated.
I propose to take questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
During the 1945-6 season, 330 tons of seed wheat, 15½ tons of seed oats and one ton of seed barley were imported. The subsequent allocation of the wheat and oats was made by the importing firms without reference to my Department. During the period in question, 26 applications were received from farmers for licences to import seed wheat. Licences were granted in respect of approximately 74 barrels of seed to three farmers whose suppliers in Great Britain were in a position to secure export licences. Licences for the importation of seed oats were granted in all cases in which the suppliers in Great Britain succeeded in obtaining export licences from the British authorities. Twenty-six import licences were granted to farmers in respect of 265 cwts. of seed oats of which only 60 cwts. were actually imported. No applications were received for licences to import seed barley. Twenty cwts. of barley were imported for experimental purposes.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department has taken steps to import any quantities of seed wheat, oats and barley this season; and if so, with what results.
It has not been found possible to arrange for importation of seed wheat, with the exception of a relatively small quantity of the variety "Progress" from Sweden. Portion of these imports will be reserved for propagation purposes, and the balance will be distributed to the seed trade.
The British authorities have agreed to authorise the export to this country from Scotland of a limited quantity of seed oats and arrangements are being made for its importation.
Apart from a small quantity required for experimental purposes, it has not been found possible to arrange for the importation of seed barley.