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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Nov 1951

Vol. 128 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Fertilisers.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, in regard to artificial fertilisers for the coming year, how supplies and price will compare with last year.

It is anticipated that the supply of artificial fertilisers for the year ending 30th June, 1952, will equal, if not slightly exceed that for the year ended 30th June, 1951.

It may be taken as certain that owing to the increased cost of imported materials and of transport, prices in the coming year will exceed those for last year.

May we take it that a statement of the former Minister for Agriculture that 48,000 tons of phosphate, imported at £9 15s. per ton. were left behind in stock by the former Minister when leaving office, was a characteristic falsehood and that there was no such supply in stock? What ever amount was left in stock, whether it was in or about 27,000 tons, may we have an assurance from the Minister that no profit whatever will be made by any firm or private individual out of those stocks, which were purchased out of public money?

Would the Minister now state how it came about that he stated here the other night that no such stocks existed and some 24 hours later his colleague, the former Minister for Agriculture, now the Minister for Local Government, informed us that some 27,000 tons existed in July, so that the contention of the former Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Dillon, that some stocks far exceeding that existed at the time this Government came into office, could still be right?

So far as I am concerned, the information which I have been able to obtain indicates that the figure of 48,000 tons mentioned by Deputy Dillon has no relation to any quantity of fertilisers known to exist or to have been imported or to have been sold. It is a figure which, apparently, he made up himself.

The Tánaiste did not say that before. He said before that there were no stocks.

I did not.

What I said is on the record now and cannot be changed at this stage.

That sounds as if the job had been done already.

These fertilisers held by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann will, of course, be supplemented by additional supplies imported by them this year at a much higher price and I understand it is their intention to marry the price of the two supplies and to sell at a uniform price.

Now the cat is out of the bag.

That is 27,000 tons.

Is Deputy Cogan satisfied?

I am satisfied if the Minister will take all possible steps to prevent profiteering.

As long as the Deputy is satisfied, it is all right.

If the £9 15s. 0d. fertiliser will be charged at £14 to the farmers, it is all right?

Some farmers are paying £20 a ton.

On what side is Deputy Davin? I have been receiving representations from the trades unions as to the consequences of Deputy Dillon's action. I take it Deputy Davin does not agree.

Is the Minister aware that some of these fertilisers are being sold in Midland towns at £20 a ton?

I am not aware.

Will you inquire into it?

Certainly.

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