asked the Minister for Agriculture whether Ireland will be represented at the British Food Fair in Olympia next August.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Food Fair.
There will not be an official stand representing Ireland at the British Food Fair in Olympia this year. I am not aware whether any individual firms have taken stands at the fair.
Is it not a fact that there was an Irish stand at this fair in a previous year and, taking into account the fact that about 500,000 people will attend this fair at Olympia, would it not present a golden opportunity to this country to publicise the fact that we have surplus agricultural produce to sell?
I understand there was a stand in 1954 and in 1956 and that following the 1956 fair a decision was made not to participate again until the whole matter had been further considered. I think there were very good reasons for that decision and these reasons, I think, are still there.