asked the Minister for Agriculture when he proposes to restore the wheat levy collected on last year's wheat crop; what compensation it is proposed to make to the farmers; and in what form.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Levy.
11.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is now in a position to state the amount of compensation to be given to farmers who grew wheat and suffered such severe losses last harvest.
13.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the reason for the delay in sanctioning a refund of the wheat levy and other price deductions to wheat producers; (b) the amount per barrel which will be refunded; and (c) the date on which farmers will receive payment.
14.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the approximate date on which he proposes to give relief to farmers whose wheat crops this year were down by about one-third and the moisture content of which was high.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 12, 13 and 14 together. I would refer the Deputies to the reply given by me on 7th January, 1959, to the question by Deputy Richard Barry, which indicated that I hope to be able to make an announcement in this matter before the end of the present month.
Is the Minister aware that farmers are under the impression that the levy is about to be restored and, in view of the fact that we are now close to the spring, would the Minister make an early statement and have the necessary compensation paid to the farmers so as to assist them in their spring work?
I am well aware of the Deputy's tremendous, burning anxiety for these people and, as I have said in my reply, I hope to make an announcement shortly.
Would the Minister state the reason for the delay in this announcement? There is £500,000 due to the farmers.
Could the Deputy not think of anything more intelligent to ask me?
I want to know the reason for the delay.
It is four months since the harvest and surely the Minister should make a statement by now.
I have been making statements regularly during that period.
Pretty stupid and pretty empty ones.
We will always leave it to the people to decide that matter.
The Minister is showing contempt for the farmers.
Might I further inquire if the Minister proposes to restore the levy?
The answer is "no."
It is about time the Minister did that.
The Minister is not capable of making a reply.
May I give notice of my intention to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment?
You may.
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.