asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what price farmers will receive for this season's oat crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oat Crop.
The market price of oats is not officially controlled. Only a very small proportion of the crop is marketed in any season, and at this stage it would be difficult to forecast the effective demand for such part of the crop as will be offered for sale. The vast bulk of the crop is used for feeding direct to animals and the farmer who feeds his oats is assured of a remunerative return for his outlay on the crop.
Can the Minister give an assurance to those farmers who till extensively and who have not sufficient stock to consume all their oat crop that they will secure a reasonably good price for their crop this year?
I have no doubt whatever that they will find oats a most remunerative crop, but I have neither the power at present, nor for the moment the will, to guarantee the price in respect of it. I believe, however, that they will be amply rewarded for their exertions without any guarantee from me.
Could the Minister give an estimate of what the crop will be worth this year?
I am not in a position to give the Deputy that estimation.
Is the Minister aware that merchants have a large quantity of last year's oats on hands for which they cannot find a market at the moment?
I am not so aware.
Will the Minister make inquiries? He is not interested.
I am intensely interested, Deputy.
Let us hope so.