Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1943 Wicklow, Meeting of the County Committee of Agriculture

Source: Wicklow People, 04.12.1943

Miss Elizabeth F. Bobbett said there had been a lot of misrepresentation about the farmers; they should be given credit that they raised the wheat production from three to eight months’ supply since the emergency commenced, and it was only after great agitation that the Minister agreed to 55s per barrel. What would be their position if returns fell short of meeting liabilities; would they receive leniency in respect of rates, annuities, seeds, etc.? 700’000 acres of wheat entailed £2’500’000 outlay on seeds; even at four barrels to the acre (the 1943 average was reckoned at 7½) that represented over 7 millions, and she asked could not the Minister arrange credit to farmers to enable them to purchase seeds, manures, equipment, labour which had to be met week after week without return until next October, and save them having to sell immature cattle in the spring time to meet their liabilities? The Government should also guarantee against loss of the crop. The main reason of that meeting should be to see in what way they could increase food production. It should not be in trying to provide bread alone. What was the good of talking at these meetings year after year if they did not get the means of production? They were not shirking their duty, but they must be paid for their labour.