asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the amount of the overdraft of Tea Importers, Limited, at 16th April, 1955, or the nearest date for which the information is available, (b) to what extent the amount is guaranteed by the Government, and (c) whether it is proposed to introduce a Supplementary Estimate in the immediate future to cover his commitments in respect of this guarantee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Importers' Overdraft.
The reply to both (a) and (b) of the Deputy's question is £4,519,485 as at the commencement of business on 1st April, 1955, the nearest date for which the information is available. The third part of the question does not arise at present.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, may I point out that the continued recession in tea prices may make the payment of any subsidy unnecessary?
The Deputy is very well informed on that point.
The Deputy does not seem to realise that Fianna Fáil would wish that the full cost of tea would be passed on at once.
You are going to leave Fianna Fáil to pay the subsidy—is that the idea?