(Galway) asked the Minister for Agriculture whether cattle were purchased recently in the Dublin market or elsewhere for export to Belgium either by or on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and, if so, whether he will state (a) how many, (b) their cost, (c) the price received for them in Belgium, (d) the expenses per head of cattle and (e) the net profit or loss per head.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Cattle for Belgium.
The reply to the opening portion of the question is in the affirmative. I do not consider it advisable to furnish the details asked for in the remaining portion of the question.
Mr. Hogan
Why?
In the public interest.
Mr. Hogan
What does the Minister mean? I think that is a most unfair answer. Here is a case where the Department of Agriculture admittedly bought cattle to sell to Belgium. I have asked a simple question in which the country is interested. Was there a profit or was there a loss? How much did they lose? Does the Minister refuse to answer?
At the present time.
Mr. Hogan
Why? Surely everyone in the country knows that there was a loss. Can the Minister not tell us how much was lost?
The Deputy may be disappointed in that.
Mr. Hogan
I am not disappointed. I think I am entitled to ask the Minister what consideration of public interest prevents him answering that question. I would point out that these transactions have being going on for three or four months. I did not come in at the beginning. They have being going on for nearly twelve months, so that I have not been too quick to ask the question. Would the Minister state what consideration of public interest is involved by his refusal to answer the simple question I have asked?
Might I ask the Minister if he has still a special trade commissioner in Belgium in connection with the cattle trade, and if it is his intention to compete with Johnny Lord and Mosey Lee with regard to Belgium?
I think, I would want notice of that question.
Mr. Hogan
Would the Minister inform the House what consideration of public interest prevents him giving the public the profit and loss in this matter?
It is an ordinary trading transaction on which we do not want to give information for the present.
Mr. Hogan
Is the Minister still buying?
Yes.
Mr. Hogan
And continuing to buy?
Yes.
Mr. Hogan
And in spite of that he says that I may be disappointed.
I warn the Deputy that he might be disappointed.