asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he received on 30th October a deputation from the Agricultural Association of Ireland and promised them that imports of tomatoes would be prohibited during the months of August and September, 1952, and possibly during the last week of July and the first two weeks of October; whether he is aware that when, on previous occasions, imports were prohibited the prices of homegrown tomatoes rose beyond the reach of all but the very wealthy; and, if so, if he will state what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, if necessary in conjunction with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, to ensure that tomatoes will at all times be available to the public at reasonable prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tomato Imports.
The report referred to by the Deputy is correct in so far as it refers to the months of August and September, 1952. No undertaking was given regarding the extension of the prohibition period beyond those two months but it was agreed to meet the deputation in May or June next to discuss the matter further in the light of the 1952 crop prospects. It was made clear to the deputation that high prices during the prohibition period would not be tolerated and that appropriate action would be taken to deal with any attempt in that direction to take advantage of the prohibition of imports.