asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has yet been able to ascertain the cost (per gallon) of producing the 18,000 gallons of industrial alcohol that were produced at one of the factories last season; and if he will state the price per gallon realised by the sale of the said quantity of industrial alcohol.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Industrial Alcohol.
The 18,000 gallons of industrial alcohol referred to in the Deputy's question was the result of a short experimental run of a single unit of the five industrial alcohol plants at the close of the 1936-37 potato season and no useful purpose would be served by an independent calculation of the cost of producing this small quantity of spirit. The sale price has not yet been fixed.
Would the Minister give any indication as to when he will be able to find out what it cost to produce that 18,000 gallons, and when he will be able to state the sale price?
It is of no importance.
It is not of any importance?
Not at all!
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would it be true to say that he refrained from ascertaining the cost of this 18,000 gallons lest he should die of an apoplectic attack when he read it?