asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the position relating toartificial manures for the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Manures.
Fertilisers of all kinds are plentiful and prices have fallen substantially since last season. Farmers and merchants should order their supplies early so as to facilitate production and distribution.
On every suitable occasion I have urged farmers to use more artificial fertilisers; there is no better means of ensuring greater output from the land, and I am satisfied that at their present prices the farmer who uses artificial fertilisers liberally is making a very good investment and a solid contribution to the national economy.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that farmers in County Wexford are unable to secure supplies of high-grade fertilisers, that when they apply to the merchants they are informed they cannot get an import licence? Further, as the high-grade fertiliser is a far more economic product, being twice the strength of the ordinary granulated fertiliser, does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it would be a good idea if importation of these manures free of duty were permitted by the present Government or by the Department?
I am not aware of the Deputy's first question and I do not think I could comment on the rest of it.
If the Minister wishes farmers to use increased quantities of fertiliser, why does the Government of which he is a member levy an import duty of 20 per cent. on them—inas-much as 20 per cent. represents approximately £2 or £2 10s. per ton?
There is an abundant supply of fertilisers in the country.
The Minister says they are not using enough but you will not let them get it. One of you must be wrong.