asked the Minister for Agriculture if the manure credit guarantee scheme which has been in operation over the past year will be continued for a further period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manure Credit Guarantee Scheme.
I hope so. Certain formalities have yet to be settled between the Agricultural Credit Corporation and the Irish Banks' Standing Committee. I should like to add to that answer that, since I drafted it, I am happy to say that I have received information which enables me to say that the scheme will be carried on as heretofore.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the quantity in tons and the value of the different types of artificial manures supplied to farmers under the special manure credit scheme operated by his Department, (2) the date of commencement of this scheme, (3) the time allowed for repayment of advances, and (4) the amount of the advances which his Department had to meet on foot of the guarantee given under the scheme.
As the scheme of loans for the purchase of fertilisers and ground limestone initiated last year was operated by the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Limited, in conjunction with the banks, no information is available in my Department as to the quantity and value of the different classes of manures purchased by borrowers under the scheme.
The scheme commenced in February, 1954, and a period of 12 months from the date of the issue of each loan was allowed for repayment. I am informed that 705 advances under the scheme, involving a total of £57,000, were made by the banks up to the 25th January, 1955. So far, there has been no call on the State guarantee against irrecoverable losses.