asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will explain the variation in retail price of 10. 10. 20 compound fertiliser of £13 per tonne between two different centres as set out in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Farm Bulletin for March, 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Fertiliser Prices.
38.
There is no official control on fertiliser prices, and variations in retail prices in different localities are a normal feature of the trade. The prices of the compound fertiliser 10. 10. 20 quoted in the Farm Bulletinof March, 1974, were the retail prices ruling at some 16 centres at the end of February, 1974.
Some weeks earlier substantial increases in wholesale fertiliser prices generally had taken place. Local stockists who carried stocks of fertilisers bought before the price increases took place could sell them at the old prices, and this could largely explain variations in retail prices.
Is the Minister aware this is the first year in which there has been this variation? In one area an increase of £1 per ton would be substantial until you go to another area where the price would be £13 per ton more.
The Deputy knows there have been enormous increases in the price this year and that these fluctuations were bound to occur.
Is the Minister aware of the confusion these variations are causing to farmers?
Does the Deputy not agree that is a good thing to be drawing attention to it in this way?
It is no use drawing attention to if the Government do not do something about it.
Is it not something on which the Minister should be taking action? We have heard of these exorbitant prices, more than £13 a ton in some areas. The farmers are being robbed.
Competition is bringing about action.