§ 7. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what amount he estimates the usage of fertilisers will decline this year.
§ Mr. MackieThe present estimate is that in the year ending May, 1970, the consumption of fertilisers will increase by about 35,000 nutrient tons compared with the previous year. That will be an increase of about 2 per cent.
§ Mr. FarrIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that those figures do not agree with statistics which have been produced by the industry? Is he further aware that there are a number of farmers who have not yet paid for their 1968 fertilisers because they are unable to do so, and, therefore, cannot get any more for 1970.
§ Mr. MackieWe know that the demand has fallen off recently. I have no doubt that it is because of expensive credit that it is not worth while putting in fertilisers at present. However, I am perfectly certain that one thing farmers will never do is economise on fertilisers. They will buy them in time for the spring work.