asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that, because large supplies of apples were allowed to be imported during the months of June and July, the demand and the price paid for home grown apples of this year's crop are very low; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Apple Supplies.
36.
Imports of apples under licence were allowed this year only up to the same date as in previous years, namely 7th July. Imports immediately prior to 7th July, 1969, were somewhat higher than at the same time in 1967 and 1968, but I am not aware that these have seriously affected disposal of the home crop. While the home crop is good this year, prices are well up to average. Imports under licence will not be resumed until home growers have a reasonable opportunity of clearing their crop.
Is the Minister aware that in the months of August and September of this year home grown apples could not even be given away on the Irish market?
The quality of the Irish growers' crop this year has been very good. However, while no apples were allowed in after the normal date, 7th July, which has been the closing date for imports for the last six or seven years, it is true to say that in the latter days of that period more foreign apples came in than had come in over the same period in the previous two years. Undoubtedly the carry-over would have been greater, and this, added to the good quality of this year's Irish apples, would have placed on the market a greater quantity of apples than would have been experienced in the previous two years particularly. There would have been a considerably greater quantity, between home and imported, available in the month of August than there would have been last year; but as far as I can find out from market reports in recent weeks I think the period that might have had the effect of reducing prices for home producers has passed.
They are dear enough in Dublin at present.
As 7th July seems to be a set date, might I suggest that the Minister and his Department would consider bringing forward this date?
This is something we intend to look into in view of what has happened this year.