asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state (a) for himself and (b) for the Parliamentary Secretary the cost of officially provided Christmas cards and gratings sent in 1969; if the postage was provided free by his Department; if so, the cost in each case; if he will give an estimate of the cost of cards on order for this year under each heading; and if the cards will be sent free.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Official Christmas Cards.
58.
The cost of cards provided for official use by the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary in 1969 was £295 and £129, respectively, and the postage officially paid thereon was £33 and £22, respectively.
The estimated cost of such cards on order this year is £45 and £600, respectively, and the postage thereon will be officially paid.
The Minister will spend only £45 and his Parliamentary Secretary will spend £600. This shocks me. Can the Minister not keep his Parliamentary Secretary in reasonable order?
£600 for cards.
For Christmas cards. It would buy a new motor car.
That is almost 30 per cent of his salary.
What really bugs the members of the Opposition is this business of State cars other than Christmas cards.
Christmas cards are going to cost as much.
My Parliamentary Secretary knows very well how to look after himself.
That is obvious from the reply.