asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in County Offaly are finding it difficult to sell their potatoes; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Potatoes.
Mr. O'Higgins
Mr. Walsh
In view of the high prices of imported and other feeding stuffs I would strongly adivse farmers having surplus potatoes to use them to make ensilage for stock feeding. If they prefer to seek a cash market I would remind them that we have yet a long time to go before new potatoes become available and it is not unreasonable to expect that the surplus referred to will be absorbed in the interval.
Mr. O'Higgins
Might I once more make a protest against the Minister's form of replying to a question he was not asked? I ask the Minister to answer the question which I put down: "Whether he is aware that farmers in County Offaly are finding it difficult to sell their potatoes; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?" I do not want a homily to the farmers of Offaly. They are able to look after their own business.
Mr. Walsh
My difficulty in replying to a question is that a lawyer never knows when he is putting a straight question.
Mr. O'Higgins
I have put a straight question.
Will the Minister consider the advisability of introducing Deputy O'Higgins's potatoes to Deputy Finucane's pigs?