It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, with the Financial Resolutions Nos. 9, 3 and 4 in their appropriate place. It is proposed that public business be not interrupted to take Private Deputies' Business.
Order of Business.
Might I ask the Taoiseach when he hopes to make a statement to the House on the result of the negotiations in Great Britain on trade matters?
I do not think we can do that just yet. There are certain details which have to be completed.
Could the Taoiseach give any approximate date when he might be in a position to do it?
If I am asked next week, perhaps I might be able to tell the Deputy.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the interest taken by the cattle trade in this matter? If the prices were known, there would not be such a surplus as there was to-day in the Dublin Cattle Market. This is the period of the year when people have to dispose of their stock and one week may make a great difference. I therefore ask the Taoiseach to announce the terms of the agreement as soon as possible.
It will be done as soon as possible.
Every week counts.
We are all aware of the importance of it.
Has a definite agreement been made with regard to cattle prices?
If I am to be examined in detail about all these things I think we must have a general discussion and I am not prepared for a general discussion at present.
If a definite price has been arranged for cattle, in view of what Deputy Fagan has said and what the Government will understand, I suggest that that isolated item of information could perhaps be given.
It will be given as soon as it can be. We are all aware of the importance of it.
Might I inquire is it, in the opinion of the Government, presumption on the part of the plain people of the country to inquire what did you do when you were in London? If the Taoiseach, in the circumstances, cannot make an exhaustive statement, surely he can tell us something?
The Deputy is making a speech. He can ask for information.
If the Taoiseach cannot give us an exhaustive statement, surely he can tell us something?
Were they not wining and dining with the British Government?
We are trying to carry on business not knowing when the whole basis of it will be changed.
Might I ask, Sir, if you have received a private notice question from Deputy Norton asking for information as to when the Taoiseach proposes to supplement the statement he has already given to the Press on the question of a general election and as to whether or not the general election will be fought on the basis of the new Electoral Bill now before the House?
I got no notice of the matter.
Is the Taoiseach——
No notice has been given.
He might be off to Árus an Uachtaráin to-night.
Is that why the Deputy has his overcoat on? Is he shivering now?