asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps he proposes taking next year to ensure that farmers will till a reasonable proportion of suitable land, especially for the production of essential foods and feeding stuffs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Next Year's Tillage.
As regards compulsory tillage next year, I would refer the Deputy to the reply on the same subject given to Deputy Cogan on 29th July last. The standard price of milling wheat will be guaranteed at 62/6 per barrel of 20 stones, and at this price the acreage sown should be substantial. The prices for barley of the 1949 crop announced by the principal industrial users, are intended to secure the growing of the full quantity of barley required for malting and roasting. The prices obtaining for live stock and livestock products are considered ample to warrant the sowing by farmers of very large areas to cereals and root crops for animal feeding.
The supply position of artificial fertilisers and agricultural machinery and implements will be very much better in 1949.
Is the Minister aware that, in certain parts of the country, preparations are being made by farmers on a relatively large scale to till next year, and will he reconsider this entire matter with a view to ensuring that, no matter what world eventuality may occur, this country will be secured in the matter of food-stuffs?
As regards the latter part of the question, yes.