asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the number of cwt. of pedigree seed wheat grown within the country in each of the years 1939 to 1951, inclusive; (2) the amount distributed to growers in each of the years mentioned, and (3) the name of the organisation responsible for the growing, assembly and distribution of wheat.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pedigree Seed Wheat.
Mr. Walsh
As the reply contains some tabular matter I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to have it circulated with the Official Report.
Following is the reply:—
|
Year |
Quantity (cwts.) of pedigree seed wheat available* |
|
1939 |
32½ |
|
1940 |
100 |
|
1941 |
202½ |
|
1942 |
80 |
|
1943 |
282½ |
|
1944 |
855 |
|
1945 |
1,037½ |
|
1946 |
491¼ |
|
1947 |
466¼ |
|
1948 |
430 |
|
1949 |
664 |
|
1950 |
122½ |
|
1951 |
131¾ |
|
1952 |
145 |
*At Albert Agricultural College and Cereals Station, Ballinacurra.
Prior to 1943 the pedigree seed available at the Albert Agricultural College and at the Cereals Station, Ballinacurra, was allocated to selected growers for further propagation. Under this arrangement it was difficult to ensure that the identity of the produce of the foundation stocks was retained and that such produce was used for seed purposes in subsequent years. With a view to the propagation of the foundation stocks on a large scale a company entitled Pedigree Growers, Limited, was formed with the approval of my Department in 1943. This company undertook to grow under contract with growers the foundation stocks made available to them by my Department and to resell the produce to seedsmen for further propagation. The arrangement with the company in regard to the propagation of wheat ceased in 1950.