asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what steps he has taken to secure alternative markets for eggs on the Continent in view of the British refusal to pay an economic price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Markets.
At my request, inquiries have been made through our representatives abroad in every country where we are represented as to the possibility of an outlet for our eggs in countries other than Great Britain. Negotiations are proceeding for the sale of a limited quantity of eggs this year in countries other than Great Britain and I have reasonable hopes that some business may be negotiated.
Would the Minister consider, in view of the amount of money expended by the taxpayers and rate-payers—money from the unfortunate people whom he fooled—paying them compensation or finding them a market for their produce now?
I take it the Deputy is concerned to facilitate my negotiations in other foreign markets by announcing that in his judgment I am embarrassed by a surplus of eggs. The Deputy's observations are no help to me in trying to sell eggs in markets other than Great Britain.
Did not the Minister make a speech on that and advise the people they could get no market for eggs?
No. I told the people there is an unprecedently high price for fowl this year.
And nothing for eggs.
The price for eggs is not satisfactory and I propose to deal with that in replying to the next question.