asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that farmers in North Galway continue to experience the greatest difficulty in obtaining a market for their oats crop, whereby considerable losses are being sustained; and, if so, if he will indicate what steps he proposes to take in relief of the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oats Crop Market.
Mr. Walsh
While I am aware that in some areas farmers are having difficulty in finding a market for their oats crop I am not aware that any considerable losses are being sustained on that account. The cash market for oats is limited but the most remunerative market is obtained by growers who feed oats to their own live stock. In the circumstances, I do not consider that official intervention in the marketing of oats is necessary or desirable. I may say, however, that no licences have been granted during the current cereal year for the importation of feeding or milling oats and as long as home-grown oats are available I do not propose to grant any such licences.