asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the names and addresses of the agents in County Galway appointed by Grain Importers, Limited, to purchase oats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Oats Purchase.
The only agent so far appointed for the purchase of oats from growers in County Galway is Messrs. Garvey, Limited, The Mills, Tuam.
Applications from other firms are, however, being considered with a view to appointment if they have proper storage and other facilities.
In view of the fact that only one agent has been appointed, and that Galway is such a very large county, does the Minister not think that there has been undue delay in appointing others? Mr. Garvey was appointed three weeks ago, and I would like to know if it was intended that growers from areas such as Gort, Portumna and Ballinasloe should deliver their oats a distance of 40 to 60 miles? Will the Minister assure me that other agents will be appointed? I can guarantee that there are men in the county who have been in the corn trade for a considerable number of years, and have sufficient storage accommodation.
I am happy to be able to reassure the Deputy (1) that the quantity of oats now buyable for 28/- in County Galway is mighty small because the people are coming to realise that they would be much better advised to use them themselves; and I am further happy to reassure the Deputy (2) that under this Government there will be no monopolies, and that every oats dealer in Galway and every other part of the country who has the minimum requirements for the safe conservation of oats will be licensed on application.
The inference I draw from the Minister's reply to my supplementary question is that the appointment of one agent in Galway was for the purpose of facilitating dealers who bought oats cheaply rather than farmers who have oats on hands to dispose of it.
No dealer who bought oats cheaply is now in a position to negotiate, despite the agitation of the Deputy and his colleagues.