asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what marketing arrangements have been made or are under consideration for the disposal of the 1951 potato crop under the following headings: (a) certified seed; (b) graded ware, and (c) any surplus not covered by (a) or (b).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - 1951 Potato Crop.
Mr. Walsh
The arrangements for the marketing of the surplus of the 1951 potato crop are in the hands of the Irish Potato Marketing Company. These arrangements will be similar to those of previous years, viz., marketing will be effected through the licensed potato merchants. At the same time, arrangements are being made for the absorption of undisposed surpluses by the industrial alcohol factories.
At what price?
Mr. Walsh
At a better price than you gave.
In view of the fact that the merchants who really control the Potato Marketing Board have not been giving satisfaction in the potato areas in disposing of surplus potatoes would the Minister consider that those marketing arrangements should be put in the hands of some other body or agent so that there might be some slight competition between the two?
Did I hear the Minister say that the Potato Marketing Board will pay for potatoes, surplus to export requirements and consigned to the Industrial Alcohol Company, a price in excess of £8 a ton this year?
Mr. Walsh
You did not sell at £8 a ton. I understand they were the ones that were rejected by the British Government.
In other words, the Minister for Agriculture was caught out. He tried to put across a quick one just now.