asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if production of compound fertilisers by Nítrigin Éireann will bring the total possible production of this product above the present usage in the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Fertilisers.
126.
I presume the Deputy is referring to concentrated complete fertilisers, which have not so far been manufactured or sold in this country. Having regard to the anticipated trend in fertiliser usage, I do not consider that the manufacture of these fertilisers by Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta will lead to over-production.
Does the Minister not agree that some years ago arrangements were made with the ordinary companies making fertilisers to have them become efficient by the expenditure of large capital sums and to produce all the fertilisers required in the country, and surely then, a new departure by the Government, this incursion by the Government into this trade, must produce more capacity than is necessary?
I think the Deputy should know that the Minister has agreed that letters should be issued to the private concerns informing them that he does not consider that the production plans of Nítrigin Éireann will interfere with those of the private concerns and proposing that discussions should take place between those companies and Nítrigin Éireann with a view to satisfying them that that is the position.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary will agree that Nítrigin Éireann are exactly like Popo the Puppet, that they can do anything as long the the Government pull the strings——
This is an argument, not a question.
What arises is whether or not the Government are going to get them to make compound fertilisers.
I will convey what the Deputy says to the Minister.