asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there has been a reduction in freight charges of £1 per ton on superphosphates; and, if so, if he will state whether this reduction will be passed on to the purchaser.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Superphosphates: Price Reduction.
Mr. Walsh
While there has been a fall in the freight market it is not of sufficient extent to affect the fertiliser position of the present year. Most of the fertilisers required have already been imported or manufactured here and variations in costs cannot affect them.
Reductions in freight charges will unquestionably enter into the calculation of prices, but increases in prices of raw materials will also have to be taken into account. As from to-day an increase of 20 per cent. in the cost of one important raw material becomes effective, and other increases are on the way. I am hopeful, however, that it may be possible to finish this season without any further increase in price to the farmer, but I should point out that the position is not being improved by the reluctance of farmers to use fertilisers, particularly on grasslands. This is having the effect of greatly adding to costs by heavy storage and depreciation charges on fertilisers which should by now be in the ground.