asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether he is aware that (1) the value of the eggs imported from the Free State into Great Britain and Northern Ireland fell from £2,269,568 in the year 1931 to £711,337 in the year 1935, and that (2) the value of eggs imported from Australia into Great Britain and Northern Ireland increased from £582,213 in 1931 to £1,092,220 in 1935, and whether he will state if he proposes to send a deputation to Australia for the purpose of inquiring into the methods there adopted to increase their export of eggs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Eggs to Great Britain.
Dr. Ryan
I am aware of the figures quoted. I am also aware that in the period referred to the total value of eggs imported into the United Kingdom from all sources fell from £13,773,082 in 1931 to £7,776,669 in 1935, and that the average value per great hundred of such imports fell from 10/7 in 1931 to 7/10 in 1935. I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 20.
The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.
Will the Minister say whether he did not discuss at Ottawa the conditions which reduced the imports of eggs to Great Britain in 1931?
Dr. Ryan
I do not recollect.
Ottawa is too far away.
Will the Minister say what circumstances operated that reduced our egg exports so much last year?
Dr. Ryan
It must be that the British market is going, if not gone.
The trade agreement which was hailed in this House.
In view of the announcement that the President proposes to broadcast to Australia on St. Patrick's Day, will the Minister congratulate the Irish in Australia on the great increase in the exports of eggs and ask them to communicate to him what steps they took to bring about such an increase in exports?
Will the Minister consider sending Deputy Belton or Deputy Mulcahy to Australia?
Dr. Ryan
No.
Deputy Davin is looking after the interests of the ratepayers!