asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he is aware that officials of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society have been stating that it is intended to prohibit the export of "farmers' butter" after a certain date and if he will state whether there is any intention of seeking such powers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EXPORT OF FARMERS' BUTTER.
The reply to both portions of the question is in the negative.
Would the Minister issue instructions to the society?
Mr. HOGAN
I have no control over that society.
Is the Minister aware that statements have been made by that society which would lead the public to anticipate future legislation by the Minister?
Mr. HOGAN
The Department have no control whatever over that society.
Is the Minister aware that the society is subsidised by the Government and that statements made by responsible officials of that society are causing the general public to anticipate legislation by the Minister? Would the Minister issue instructions to the society that these officials are not to make statements that have a deterrent effect on the industry?
Mr. HOGAN
The society gets a grant-in-aid through the Department, but nevertheless the Department has no control over it and, in my opinion, it ought not have control over it.
I think the Minister has missed my point.
Perhaps the Deputy might ask the Minister whether he would get in touch with the society with a view to investigating this particular matter, instead of using the word "instructions"?
Mr. HOGAN
I am not clear what I can do in the matter. I will make inquiries.
Has the Minister any such intention as that indicated in the question of prohibiting the export of farmers' butter?
Mr. HOGAN
No. Perhaps, as there may be a misapprehension as a result of that answer to Deputy de Valera, I should explain that it is not the intention to prohibit the export of any classes of butter, creamery, farmers, or factory, provided the butter comes up to the standard of each class required by the Dairy Produce Act. The export of farmers' butter may be stopped if it does not come up to the standard required, and the same applies to creamery and factory butter.
A DEPUTY
Is the Minister aware of a statement made by Deputy Jordan, who is an organiser of creameries?
Which Deputy Jordan? It was not made by me.