asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is satisfied that plentiful supplies of baler twine will be available to the farming community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Baler Twine Supplies.
199.
I take it that the Deputy's question relates to the supplies of baler twine needed for the 1974 season. My information is that plentiful supplies will be available.
Is the Minister aware that in the 1973 season there was a scarcity and there has been a rather large increase in price? Can he assure us that this situation will not arise again in 1974?
I understand there have been shortages in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland due to the cessation by Belfast Ropes of the production of baler twine and to a scarcity in the United Kingdom because of the increase in production of synthetic substitutes. I am informed however that supplies of binder twine are assured in the next few years. In order to conserve supplies for the home market the relevant company has ceased exporting. There will be a considerable carry over at the end of 1974 and the company may consider resuming exports then.
That is reassuring
Does the Minister consider that binder twine will be at a reasonable cost in the near future?
I am sorry, I did not catch the question.
Does the Minister consider that it will be at a reasonable cost if available?
I hope so.
The Minister for non-information !
Question No. 201 postponed.