asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the expiration, on 14th February, 1948, of the period of validity of the credit vouchers issued in lieu of wheat vouchers for wheat returns of the 1945 crop; and whether, in view of the usual practice of farmers who take supplies of manure as they require them during the cultivation season, he will permit seed and manure merchants to accept these vouchers from their clients and allow such clients credit for the value of the vouchers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Credit Vouchers.
I assume the Deputy refers to the 1943 wheat crop.
In order to enable claims for recoupment of rebates allowed by retail fertiliser merchants to be met before the end of the current financial year on March 31st, it was necessary to fix February 14th, 1948, as the latest date for the receipt by these merchants of credit vouchers in respect of the 1943 wheat crop.
As the encashment of vouchers relating to the 1943 wheat crop would represent the purchase of only a fraction of the total quantity of artificial fertilisers estimated to be available this season, I do not consider that voucher-holders will be inconvenienced by being required to purchase portion of their requirements, as represented by vouchers held by them, before the 14th February, 1948. In fact, I think it highly desirable that farmers should order at least portion of their supplies early in the season. In the circumstances, I do not propose to alter the provisions of the scheme, as suggested by the Deputy.
Would the Minister object to a renewal, giving credit for the amounts, if they hand the vouchers in to his office?
I do not think that could be done. That is, in fact, an invitation to farmers, who very often are slow to cash the vouchers, to continue an undesirable practice.