asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the total amount of (a) hay, and (b) straw which has been exported under licence since the 1st September, to date; and, further, if he will state the names of the persons to whom licences were issued, the amount of hay or straw authorised on each licence and why such licences were issued in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Hay and Straw.
Mr. Blaney
One hundred and forty-three tons of hay and 54 tons of straw were exported from 1st September to 31st October, 1950, which is the latest period for which figures are available. These quantities were exported partly under licences granted before, partly under licences granted after, 1st September. They relate only to exports over the Border, as separate statistics are not kept in respect of hay and/or straw exported as ship's stores or for the feeding of animals in transit through the ports.
Since 1st September, 1950, to date licences have been granted for the export across the Border of 186 tons of hay and 290 tons of straw.
I do not consider it desirable to give the names of licensees. Since the latter part of September licences have been granted as follows:—
(1) Ten licences granted to farmers who have farms on both sides of the Border, and who produced hay or straw on their farms in this country for use on their farms in the Six Counties,
(2) Two licences granted to farmers transferring their residences to the Six Counties and bringing with them farm equipment and live stock, and
(3) One licence in respect of export of straw to be used at Derry for protection of seed potatoes from this country being exported through that port.
Does the Minister consider that this island is two countries?
Mr. Blaney
Will the Minister agree that it was not in the best interests of the farming community or the interests of the State to have licences issued as late as September 1st? Is the Minister aware, furthermore, that licences were issued to people who do not come under the headings which the Minister indicated in his reply? I am aware that hay was bought in Donegal for sale and was resold in County Antrim and that that was continuing up to a week ago.
I am not so aware. I am aware that the Deputy loves fairy-tales and that he should become an author.