asked the Minister for Agriculture the difference in cost per ton to the flour-milling industry of wheat to be used to replace the amount of Irish wheat in the grist which is not now coming forward because of rejections, based on an intended usage of 300,000 tons of Irish wheat, and also the total estimated saving on this basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Milling: Replacement of Irish Wheat in Grist.
5.
It is estimated that the difference in cost per ton of native and imported wheat would range from about £6 to £9, on the basis of current prices, depending on the type of wheat imported.
As millable wheat is still being received at the mills, it is not possible at this stage to give a firm estimate of what the total intake will be. Up to 11th November, purchases of native wheat for milling amounted to about 263,000 tons, dried.
As the Minister is aware now that his colleague, the Minister for Finance, said this saving would be devoted to helping the farmers, how does he reconcile that statement with his statement last night?
I am not aware of any statement made along the line suggested by the Deputy by any of my colleagues. I am relating my replies exactly to the policy I have pursued, in consultation with my colleagues in the Government, in regard to this whole matter.
Is the Minister then so uninterested that he did not even look at the Press report of the proceedings of this House yesterday?
I am so interested that I consult on all matters of this nature with my colleagues in the Government and I am guided by them in the action I take.
The Minister does not give any guide to the Government.
The Minister has said he has not discussed the matter with the Minister for Finance. He has also said he consults with his colleagues in the Government.
The Minister for Finance is, like myself, only one member of the Government.