asked the Minister for Agriculture whether it is proposed to import foreign butter during the coming year; and, if so, if he will state how it is proposed to dispose of any profits arising out of the transaction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Butter.
Mr. Walsh
If the Deputy is referring to the coming butter production year which commences about 1st May next, the answer is that it is not possible at this stage to predict whether any imports of butter will be needed as the quantity, if any, will depend on the levels of home production and consumption of butter during the season. If, on the other hand, the Deputy has in mind the period between now and May next, the answer is 500 tons. The profits on the sale of this butter will accrue to the benefit of the Dairy Produce (Price Stabilisation) Fund where it will be used to defray portion of the cost of cold storage, etc., of Irish creamery butter.
How does the Minister reconcile that answer with the answer he has just given me?
Mr. Walsh
I am speaking of the coming year. You have asked me a question in connection with the past year. I have answered that question and if you had listened to my reply in this case you would have known that the profit made on this is going towards meeting the cost of cold storage in the coming year.
I understood the Minister to say that, in respect of the coming production year, the cost of storage on cold stored butter would be borne by the Treasury and not by the creameries. I understand from his answer to this question that the cost in part at least will be borne by the Dairy Produce (Price Stabilisation) Fund, which is derived from a levy on butter. Can the Minister now tell us in respect of the coming production year, will cold storage charges on butter be borne by the Treasury or by the creameries?
Mr. Walsh
Entirely a new question.