asked the Minister for Defence if he will state in respect of (a) his office and (b) the office of his Parliamentary Secretary, the amount paid in respect of telegrams sent therefrom during the past 12 months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Telegrams.
126.
The amount paid in respect of telegrams sent from the office of the Minister for Defence from August, 1968 to July, 1969 was £13 3s 5d. No expenditure was incurred on telegrams by the office of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence in the same period.
Could I ask why this question was placed on the Order Paper?
I have not the faintest idea.
Is the Minister aware that apparently this question was put to every Government Department?
I am aware of that.
Can the Minister say to whom were those telegrams sent and for what reason?
I have not the faintest idea.
Can the Chair give us any guidance here as it seems to be a matter of extreme importance to the absent Deputy?
I am afraid the Chair cannot help at all in regard to this matter.
If the Deputy will put down a question he might get an answer.
You could ask the question of the Deputy who put down this question. Personally, I have not an idea what the Deputy is trying to get at.
I have an idea we all know why the question was asked.