asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity in barrels of 14 stone of oats imported from Australia in the year 1951, the price per barrel paid for the oats, and also the date on which the contract of purchase was made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Australian Oats Imports.
Mr. Walsh
Approximately 187,000 barrels of oats were imported from Australia in the year 1951 at an average c.i.f. cost of 45/10 per barrel of 14 stone. Owing to the difficulty at the time in obtaining export licences, the oats were purchased in 15 lots between 29th November, 1950, and 25th January, 1951, the greater proportion of the purchases being made before the end of December, 1950.
Could the Minister state on what date this oats was purchased and at what time it was landed in this country? Also, can he state what percentage of the total oats sold by farmers in this country that import represents—that is, what percentage of the total average amount sold yearly?
Mr. Walsh
The first delivery of the oats in question was in April, 1951, and the second portion was delivered in July, 1951—8,174 tons came in in July. I could not give off-hand what percentage it would represent, but it would be a very high percentage of the total oats placed on the market for consumption.
Is the Minister aware that the imprudent purchase and import of this oats by his predecessor has created a serious problem for many farmers throughout the country who held over their oats during the winter? As a result of this import oats going on the market, the farmers have been finding it difficult to dispose of their oats during the last couple of months.
Mr. Walsh
I would imagine that it has contributed in a very large measure to that.
Does the Minister consider that it is sound economics at any time to call on the small farmers to grow more oats and potatoes and to find that, as they do grow an increased amount of oats and potatoes, foreign foodstuffs are allowed in to compete with them on the market—instead of the Minister and his Department taking responsibility of giving a guaranteed price to small farmers when they do take upon themselves the duty of growing foodstuffs?
Mr. Walsh
A guaranteed price for oats must be based on the price the farmer is going to get for eggs, poultry and bacon.
There is no guaranteed price here for the small farmer who produces oats as a cash crop. He has not the financial resources to turn the oats into feeding and he should be allowed to sell it at a guaranteed price to the larger farmers.
There was a guaranteed market in this country.
You arranged your question and it was settled between yourself and the Minister.