andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture what action the Government have taken to secure alternative markets for surplus butter and to arrange for the use as raw or dried milk, chocolate crumb or other chocolate products of future surplus milk production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Surplus Butter: Alternative Markets.
43.
The marketing of butter is now a matter for An Bord Bainne. I understand that the Board has under continuous examination the possibility of alternative outlets for this product.
In recent years the use of milk for the manufacture of chocolate crumb, milk powder, cheese, etc., has been encouraged by the Government and this policy is being continued by An Bord Bainne. There is, of course, at present a world surplus of dairy products generally.
In future Questions that may be asked in this House relative to milk production, are we to be told by the Minister that it is a matter for An Bord Bainne? I do not like the Minister to answer questions in that manner and I expressed my feeling in this House when the matter was at issue. I believe the Minister should be able to make a statement——
The Deputy is not asking a question.
I am asking are we to be told in future——
That is not a question arising out of the Question on the Order Paper.
It arises out of the reply.
No. The Deputy will resume his seat.
Why does the Minister not answer the Question he was asked?
(Interruptions.)
Pending a settlement of this bother with the British, will the Minister and the Government consider taking steps to barter our surplus butter with some country in Europe that has coal for sale and thus utilise this situation in which we can sell our surplus butter for coal to replace British coal which otherwise we shall have to import from Britain in spite of what the British have done in respect of our butter.
Why did you not do that about sugar?
Deputy Corry would not sell anything to the British.