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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1962

Vol. 193 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sales of Butter in East Europe.

39.

andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture whether the negotiations for the sale of butter to Russia and other Eastern European countries envisage the continued payment of a subsidy in respect of that butter.

40.

andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Agriculture the total maximum quantity of butter at present the subject of sale negotiations between the Irish Government, the USSR and other Eastern European countries; and whether payment will be made in roubles or in the form of a barter agreement.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.

The Government are not negotiating with Russia or other Eastern European countries for the sale of Irish butter. As previously announced, a number of suggestions for the exchange of butter for commodities from Eastern Europe were received by An Bord Bainne. Some of these proposals are still under examination and it would be inappropriate for me to release, at this stage, details of the quantities of butter involved or of the terms and conditions under which the Board might be prepared to sell to importers in these countries.

You might send Gerry Boland out there again. He ought to know the way out there now. He knows all about them since the time he was a pawnbroker for the Russians when nobody else would touch them.

The Deputy should not put on an act for the benefit of the gallery.

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