andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any alternative outlet for surplus butter supplies has been found or is being negotiated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Surplus Butter Supplies.
87.
Apart from the Federal Republic of Germany, where relatively small quantities have been sold, no alternative outlet for surplus butter has been found so far. A number of inquiries have been received by An Bord Bainne, and these are at present being examined.
Would the Minister name the source of the inquiries?
I cannot, really, because I have not got them. When a matter of this nature arises you have inquiries from all classes of people.
I do not want to embarrass the Minister, but is it not a fact that the sale of our butter is a vital matter for the farmers? Surely the Minister is in close communication with An Bord Bainne or whoever may be examining this matter?
It is no embarrassment to me. If I had the names——
The Minister has not got them?
No.
Has the Minister not made himself familiar with the situation?
Even if I had them, I should have to ask myself whether I should give them or not.
The Minister is not even worried about it.
I will not give the names until I have examined the implications of doing so.
Surely it is not unreasonable to ask the Minister to name the countries or areas from which these inquiries were made, and thus allay the anxieties of the farmers concerning the sale of their butter?
I am tremendously concerned with that matter. However, I have not been asked to name the sources of the inquiries in this question. I have already told the Deputy that I have not got with me the names of the countries or the individuals concerned.
Will the Minister give them next week if I put another question?
I should have to ask myself whether, for other reasons, I should publish them or not.
Is the Minister in a position to say is there any early prospect of the present deplorable misunderstanding between ourselves and the British Government being overcome and our normal exports of butter to the British market being resumed?
I can assure the Deputy that matter, too, has been actively pursued as far as it is possible.
May we assume it is reasonable to hope that, not later than the 31st March, the present deplorable situation will come to an end?
I do not think we can assume anything. We all hope for the best, but I am not going to encourage the House to assume anything.
Could the Minister state, so far as the negotiations have gone, if there appears to be any likelihood of there being alternative butter markets?
I could not.
Has the Minister by any chance had any contacts with An Bord Bainne or anybody to try and sell Irish butter?
Constantly.
Does the Minister not think it reasonable that he should give some of the facts to Deputies?
When I am asked a question I give all the facts I possess and those which I believe I should give, having regard to all the circumstances.
In view of the fact that we have a surplus of butter which the British will not take and that we need to import substantial quantities of coal each year, has the Minister given any consideration to the question of exchanging our surplus butter for the equivalent value of coal, thereby getting rid of our surplus butter and at the same time supplying ourselves with the necessity, coal?
Every inquiry that has been received by us, no matter on what basis it is made, is being examined and will be pursued in the hope of finding a solution for the disposal of our surplus butter.
If negotiations break down and if there is a danger of the butter deteriorating to the extent that it cannot be consumed, would the Minister consider making it available on the home market?
That is a separate question.