asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider extending the potato price support scheme to ensure that growers are not left with stocks on hand.
25.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Price Support Scheme.
24.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount of money paid on the 1973 crop price support scheme for potatoes.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
The potato price support scheme involved an Exchequer loss of about £100 in relation to the 1973 crop.
The scheme which is an annual one operated in the current season for the period 1st November, 1973, to 31st March, 1974, and I do not propose to extend it at this stage. However, I am having the question of potato supplies and prices kept under constant review.
Is it expected that there will be a surplus of potatoes?
There is a possibility of a surplus of potatoes this year but the position is that from the 1st November, 1973 to 31st March, 1974 the suppliers had an opportunity of selling their potatoes at not less than £16 per ton. Possibly a number of producers did not favour selling potatoes at that price and they now have to accept prevailing prices. The Minister is quite anxious to help.
Many farmers would be slow to dispose of their potatoes at the unrealistic price of £16 per ton early in the year. Can the period not be extended?
This was extensively publicised as far back as August, 1973, the public were made aware that this would be in operation from November, 1973 to March, 1974, and anyone was quite free to apply.