asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will state (1) the price paid by his Department to the potato merchants for seed potatoes; and, if not, the reason, in view of the fact that everybody is aware of the price the producer receives; (2) whether the accounts of the potato-marketing company are audited and published in any form so that members of the public may inspect them, and (3) if, in view of the constitution of the company where growers have only one representative, he will consider introducing proposals for legislation for the reconstitution of the company.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato-Marketing Company.
(1) My Department does not buy seed potatoes. The Irish Potato Marketing Company, Limited, purchase from potato merchants seed potatoes for export. I refer the Deputy to the reply given to Deputy O'Hara on 31st October last as to the prices paid by the company.
(2) The accounts of the Irish Potato Marketing Company, Limited, are audited but are not published.
(3) I will consider the question of providing for additional representation for growers on the board of directors of the company.