Vol. 203 No. 8
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will extend the period during which tomatoes may be imported until such time as Irish tomatoes are available at a price comparable to that of imported tomatoes, so as to ensure a continuance of supply to all sections of the community.
25.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the prohibition of the import of the normal 500 ton quota of tomatoes from Guernsey owing to the outbreak of Colorado beetle in the island has resulted in scarcity and very high prices for tomatoes in this country; and whether, in view of this outbreak, he will take steps to permit the import of the normal quota of tomatoes from other sources.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
The importation of tomatoes from Guernsey has not been prohibited and the usual seasonal consignments from that source commenced last week. As prices of both home and imported tomatoes have been above average, due to the late season, the customs duty on imports since the 1st June has been remitted. Recent market prices here have been reasonably comparable with market prices in Britain and in the circumstances I do not propose to alter the existing import arrangements.
