asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the whereabouts from 1922 to 1932 and from 1932 to date of the Russian jewels now in the custody of the Government, and if he will indicate to the House the history of these jewels as far as he is aware since their arrival in this country, and the amount of loan given to the Russians for which they are security, and if it is proposed to apply for the repayment of the loan and return the jewels, or sell the jewels to realise the amount of the loan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Russian Jewels.
I have no official information as to the history or whereabouts of these jewels prior to November, 1938, when they came into the custody of the Department of the Taoiseach, where they remained until they were transferred to the Department of Finance on the 18th February last. The loan for which the jewels were handed over as security amounted, I understand, to $20,000. The question of disposal of the jewels has been receiving consideration, but no decision has yet been reached.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister consider the desirability of putting them on exhibition and charging 6d. a time for the benefit of the St. Vincent de Paul or some other charity? I believe he would make a lot of money.