asked the Minister for Agriculture whether it is his intention to have the surplus potatoes of the 1951 crop purchased by Ceimicí, Teoranta; and, if so, whether he will state (a) the price per ton to be paid and (b) when such purchases will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Surplus Potatoes.
Mr. Walsh
Arrangements are at present being made by the Irish Potato Marketing Company and Ceimicí, Teoranta for the absorption of surplus potatoes of the 1951 crop by the alcohol factories and an announcement in the matter will be made within the next week or so.
Would the Minister not consider the relative advantage of promoting the user of any surplus ware potatoes which may be available for the feeding of pigs at a profit rather than for conversion into alcohol at a loss?
Mr. Walsh
I am afraid we would be unable to get pigs at the price you fixed for them.
I understand that the price of pigs at present is 260/- approximately, and at that price the Minister, I think, will agree that they are paying well.
Mr. Walsh
They are coming up.
Without giving me impudence, all that I am asking is——
Mr. Walsh
I am giving you the facts.
——that the Minister would consider the relative desirability of using the surplus potatoes where they can be employed profitably for pig feeding as against sending them to the factories.
Mr. Walsh
We are doing that.
The Minister should have said that at first, and it would have satisfied me.