asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate (a) the amount realised by home-grown fruit last year, and (b) what extensions of import facilities were granted last year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home-Grown Fruit.
Mr. Walsh
The estimated amount realised by home-grown fruit last year has not yet been ascertained. Statistics for the 1951 season were published in The Irish Trade Journal and Statistical Bulletinof June, 1952. The answer to the second part of the question is “None”.
Is the Minister aware there was a good deal of dissatisfaction amongst fruit growers last year because foreign fruit was allowed to come in earlier than in previous years?
Mr. Walsh
That was not the trouble.Foreign fruit was prohibited last year and it is also prohibited this year.
It still came in.
Mr. Walsh
Not at a time when it would have any effect on the home market. There may be some other reason, but that was not the reason.
According to the producers, English fruit or Australian fruit came into the market about six weeks in advance of the normal time, and resulted in a considerable surplus of good quality apples being unsaleable in October and November.
Mr. Walsh
That is not so.
Did fruit pulp come in?
Mr. Walsh
Yes, citrus pulp.
I think it caused dislocation.
Mr. Walsh
That causes no trouble as far as home-grown fruit is concerned.