asked the Minister for Agriculture if farmers who propose to cultivate root seeds for harvesting in 1951 will be afforded any measure of protection against the dumping of such seeds by outside countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dumping of Seeds.
As explained to the Deputy in reply to a question last month, growers of root seeds to be harvested in 1950 will, presumably, have contracts with holders of agricultural seed licences, and I have under consideration new arrangements for the production of root seeds which will place that crop on a more satisfactory basis than has prevailed for some years, and one which will ensure that supplies of root seeds will be available to all Irish farmers free from tariff, quota or fiscal restrictions of any kind.
I asked the Minister a very direct question. The Minister must know that it is necessary to cultivate root seeds immediately for harvesting in 1951. I asked him if farmers who propose to cultivate root seeds for harvesting in 1951 will be given any measure of protection for their crop in 1951.
I had hoped to furnish the Deputy with the information he required in saying that I have under consideration new arrangements for the production of root seeds which will place that crop on a more satisfactory basis than has prevailed for some years. I do not think it is the wish of the Ceann Comhairle that Question Time should be made an occasion for the elaboration of a somewhat complicated scheme whereunder farmers will be invited to grow seeds on something approximating to an agency basis for the Department of Agriculture.
Will the Minister say if the farmers will be informed of whatever scheme he has in mind immediately, because it is an urgent matter? They will either sow corn or something else on the particular land or keep it available for root seeds. Therefore, it is all important that they should know at once.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that I met the deputation of root seed growers which was in part representative of his constituency.