asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the stipulation made in regard to eggs for export to the German and Spanish markets requiring a guarantee with each consignment that the eggs are packed in cubicle cases made only of foreign timber, and whether in view of this he will make representations to the Minister for Finance with a view to making available to exporters supplies of foreign timber, battens and cut boards, for the manufacture of these cases free of import duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions for Export of Eggs.
The only regulation made by my Department as regards the timber used for cases in which eggs may be exported is that it must be well seasoned, clean, dry, free from bark, wane and feather, large knots and discoloration. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Sir, it is manifest that the Minister for Agriculture has not read the question. I asked him if he would make representations through the Minister for Finance with a view to making available to exporters, free of duty, supplies of foreign timber, battens and cut boards for the manufacture of these cubicle egg cases, in view of the fact that regardless of whatever regulations the Minister for Agriculture may make, the Minister for Agriculture for the German Reich has made an order that he will not allow eggs into Germany unless they are packed in such cases and that the shippers who are being charged by the Minister for Agriculture with the duty of supplying the German market will not consign eggs on behalf of the egg merchants of the country unless these eggs are packed in cases made of foreign material. My question to the Minister for Agriculture is directly to inquire whether he will make these foreign cases available to the egg producers so that the eggs may go from this country in such a condition that they will be accepted in the German and Spanish markets?
The supplementary question by the Deputy merely shows the extent of his misinformation.
Well, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I give notice that I will raise this question on the adjournment.