asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the price of 16/- per cwt. being charged for seed potatoes this season under the relief seed scheme is considered excessive by the smallholders in congested areas, and if he will state how this price was arrived at.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Seed Potatoes.
There is a keen demand generally throughout the congested districts for certified seed potatoes to be supplied this spring under the seed distribution scheme, which, incidentally, is not a relief scheme, so that the answer to the first part of the question is "No". The price mentioned is equivalent to approximately three-fourths of the cost of purchase and delivery by the Department.
Could the Minister state what the actual amount of the subsidy is?
One quarter.
Is the Minister aware that the same farmers could purchase similar potatoes now at £13 per ton?
Is that less than I am charging?
You are charging 16/- per cwt.
Why on earth are they clamouring for them if they can buy them for £3 a ton less than I am offering them? The people of West Donegal have changed greatly since I knew them if they are willing to pay more to me for the potatoes than they can get them for elsewhere.
Can the Minister give the figures as regards quantities already requisitioned?
By the people?
Yes.
They are still requisitioning furiously, clamouring for them.
Surely the Minister's acquaintance with the people there is very brief? He was elected for West Donegal in 1932 and returned for Monaghan in 1937.
I do not want to make any references to Deputy MacEntee's disappearance out of that locality.
The Minister is not clamouring to get back to Donegal.