asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the price of sulphate of copper has been increased substantially in the present year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Copper Sulphate.
38.
I am aware that there has been a substantial increase in the price of sulphate of copper in the present year. Sulphate of copper is imported and the increase in price is, I understand, due to increases in the world price of copper.
May I inquire if the Minister is aware that due to this substantial price increase, which he admits has taken place, there is a grave scarcity of this commodity, particularly in the west, because many merchants did not handle the product at all? Will the Minister, or some Minister, take the necessary steps to ensure that this very important commodity is available to farmers, whatever the price?
I shall see if there are any steps open to me to make sulphate of copper more readily available. If not, I shall address the Deputy's query to other ministers concerned.
What was the increase per ton last year over the previous year?
There are different prices from different sources. There was an increase of from £50 to £60 per ton on the import prices.
The retail price at which it was sold would be much more than £50 to £60 per ton.
I was speaking about the increase in the import price.
How much per ton is it now?
£170 per ton.
Whether the trouble is in Zambia or elsewhere, will the Minister make sure that supplies of this most important commodity are available to farmers?
The Deputy will appreciate that making sure that supplies of copper are available here would be a difficult task for a Government——
Like Fianna Fáil.
Any Government. Our own supplies of copper will be exploited—searched for, anyway.