asked the Taoiseach if the statement made by the Minister for Agriculture at the meeting of the F.A.O. in Rome advocating a world commonwealth guaranteeing free passage of men, money and goods was an expression of Government policy; and if it is in accordance with this policy that the Government's attitude towards tillage and the growing of wheat has been determined.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - F.A.O. Conference: Minister's Statement.
The sentiments expressed by the Minister for Agriculture in the statement referred to by the Deputy embody personal and stimulating opinions of the Minister.
On the question of the policy of the Government in regard to tillage and the growing of wheat, I would invite the Deputy's attention to the speech made by the Minister during the debate on a motion on wheat prices which took place in this House on the 2nd December last—and, in particular, as regards wheat, to his statement that farmers are entitled to have a fair profit and an ample margin above the world price for wheat, and, as regards the other cereal crops, that the Government's purpose is to evoke from the farmers a greater acreage and a greater supply of oats and barley.
Are we to take it then that the sentiments expressed by the Minister for Agriculture in Rome are the sentiments of the Government in regard to cereal crops and other agricultural produce, that there is no protection for them and that we can now buy in the cheapest market?
I would refer the Deputy to the second portion of my answer which is Government policy and the policy of the Minister for Agriculture so far as this country is concerned.
Despite what he said in Rome?
I do not want either Deputy Aiken or Deputy Walsh to misunderstand me. I think the Minister's statement is a personal one and he is entitled to make that as a personal statement.
Mr. Lemass
Did the Minister for Agriculture go to Rome then in a personal capacity?
Certainly not, and may I make this comment—and it is on both Deputies' supplementary questions and on Deputy Lemass's alleged supplementary — that the Fianna Fáil Party appear to have very little to do when they occupy the time of the House with questions of this kind? (Interruptions.)
If the Minister for Agriculture represented the Government and spoke on behalf of the Government why is he permitted to express these sentiments?
What is wrong with the sentiments?
He will talk to you when he comes back.
Mr. Lemass
Is there any chance he would stay there?