asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can now state in respect of the oats purchased by his Department last year (1) the total quantity disposed of; (2) the amount exported; (3) the price per barrel obtained, and (4) the profit or loss on the entire scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oats Purchased by Department.
(1) The total quantity of oats purchased under the oats purchase scheme was, approximately, 19,000 tons and all of this quantity has now been disposed of with the exception of about 350 tons, for which offers are under consideration; (2) the amount exported was, approximately, 10,000 tons; (3) the exported oats were sold in six different lots, at varying prices and partly on a barter basis. As a number of accounts for freight and handling charges have not yet been settled, it is not possible at present to state the nett price realised; (4) final settlement of accounts has not yet taken place and the loss on the scheme cannot accordingly be stated.
Is the Minister aware, in view of a recent speech which he made, I think, in Sligo, that there is a likelihood of a shortage of oats in the present year, of what considerations prompted the export of a considerable quantity of oats?
The consideration that I was not charged by this House to enter into speculation in the grain market. I was charged with the responsibility to buy oats from the farmers and to dispose of them. I can assure the Deputy that the temptation to engage in a little speculation was very strong, but I withstood it.