asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that agricultural machinery ordered last November has, in general, not yet been delivered; and if he will state what steps have been taken to ensure a supply of horse-spraying machines, manure distributors and other agricultural machinery essential to our requirements, and, specifically, the number of binders and tractors which he anticipates will arrive in time for the harvest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Machinery.
I am aware that certain agricultural machinery required for the summer and autumn periods has not in general, been delivered. Manure distributors, as well as ploughs, corn drills and harrows have, however, I understand, been supplied in adequate quantities.
The principal reason for the delay in the delivery of agricultural machinery is the shortage of foundry coke, but every effort is being made to obtain adequate supplies of this essential material. A small quantity was recently imported from the U.S.A. and this was allocated entirely to those concerns engaged in the manufacture of agricultural machinery.
As regards binders and tractors, present indications are that for this year's harvest approximately 1,000 additional binders and 1,000 additional tractors will be available.
Is the Minister aware that the information afforded to him about adequate supplies of manure distributors and spraying machines being distributed, is fantastically false? Supplies of such commodities were not to be had at all after the very early part of the delivery season and, such as they were, they were of antediluvian pattern.
Did the Minister say that there will be 1,000 more binders available for this year?
That is right.
I think the Minister must not be fully aware of the position, for the reason that I had to make inquiries for some people in Galway within the past month from these agents and they told me there was not a hope of getting an additional binder for this year.
There are 1,000, most of which have already arrived.
And have been distributed?
Yes.
Will the Minister take steps to ensure that people who genuinely require tractors will get delivery, and not merely those who put their names on the waiting list for the purpose of taking a premium?
That is a matter for the suppliers.
Will the Minister take the tariffs and restrictions off the imports of machinery?