asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is yet in a position to state whether he will introduce a compulsory grading system for this year's tomato trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tomato Grading.
5.
As indicated in my reply to the Deputy's question on 18th February last, this matter has been under examination and my Department hopes very shortly to discuss with growers' representatives what measures it may be possible to take in relation to this year's crop.
Is the Minister aware that the longer this matter is delayed by the Department the less likely it is to benefit the tomato growing industry? On a previous occasion the reply to this question was practically the same.
The previous reply was on 18th February last which is not so long ago as to have brought about a change in the matter to any great degree. The Deputy should be aware and the House should be aware that legislation is required for this type of control. What I should hope will be done this year is in relation to export tomatoes only and that can be done, if it is capable of being done—I am not sure if it is—by way of regulation under powers I already have. A discussion with the growers is in prospect in the immediate future and arising from that I will be shortly in a position to say exactly what we shall be doing this year. However, legislation will be required to control the entire grading system.
Could the Minister say why it has taken so long to arrive at a decision about this matter? The Minister must be aware of the need and demand for this for some considerable time. Is it a question of getting staff? What is the reason for the delay? Why should it take practically two years to get a decision on this matter?
One could say it has taken all the time since tomatoes were first grown to get around to it. It is just as difficult to answer why it was not introduced when we started growing, as it is to answer why it took two years. I am not sure it has taken two years, nor that it has only taken two years, to get to this stage. The House can be sure that steps are being taken, after due consideration and discussions which have been mentioned, and we will be in a position to do something about export quantities for next year. Legislation will be before the House. We will have an opportunity of imposing any control which is felt desirable for the future.
Could the Minister say whether it is intended that growers would be obliged in certain circumstances to export a percentage of their production?
This is a matter which might be considered but certainly not in the context of grading as such. It is a related matter which must be considered if the acreage under glass increases as it is now doing.