asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the estimates, given in the reply of the Irish Government to the queries issued on 23rd July, 1947, by the C.E.E.C., for the years 1947-48, 1948-49, 1949-50, and 1950-51 are in respect of the period ending 31st March of the second year so stated; and, if not, what period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.E.E.C. Estimates.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. The estimates to which he refers were compiled in line with directions laid down by the Food and Agriculture Committee of the C.E.E.C. and outlined in paragraph VI of the questionnaire of the 23rd July, 1947. In accordance with these directions the estimates given for imports and exports were in respect of the 12 months ended 30th June of the second year stated in each case; the figures for crop areas were the acreages estimated to be sown in each of the first years so stated and the estimated figures of crop production furnished represented the expected output of those acreages. The figures in respect of live-stock population were the estimated numbers of each of the different classes of live stock as at the 1st June in the first year stated in each case. The estimated output of live-stock products was directly related to those numbers.
The reply seemed to be very explicit but I found great difficulty in understanding it.