asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state what are the prospects of securing an export market for surplus potatoes during the next six months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Market for Potatoes.
asked the Minister for Agriculture what arrangements are being made to export the potatoes of this year's crop for which provision was made in the recent trade agreement with the British Government.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that farmers have a large tonnage of potatoes on hand for which they are unable to find a market; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take or has taken to provide a market for such potatoes.
I propose, with your permission, Sir, to answer questions Nos. 38, 39 and 40 together.
Arrangements have been made for the sale of a substantial quantity of ware potatoes of this year's crop to the British Ministry of Food. Details in regard to the purchase of the potatoes are at present under discussion between the Department and the Ministry of Food.
What is going to be the price?
The price will be a remunerative and attractive one. I expect it will be £10 per ton.
Could the Minister state for the information of farmers how soon the first export of these potatoes is likely to take place?
I hope the purchases will take place within the next week or ten days. As to when they will be exported, I cannot say, but the purchase, I suppose, is what matters.
So long as there is an indication to farmers that they will be taken off their hands it is all right. Could the Minister say if the export price will be the price fixed in the trade agreement of June last?
I hope so; I take it for granted it will be. I am not, however, very conversant with the Department for which I am speaking at the moment to say so dogmatically, but that is the intention. I think it is so. I will give the Deputy full information to-morrow.
Will the Minister indicate by a public statement to the producers what price they should receive ex-farm for the potatoes?
I hope that will be done within a few days.
Is the Minister aware that no export licence is available in County Kerry at the present time to export potatoes? Will the Minister examine the position?
That is a separate question.
I will see that attention is called to that.