asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what quantities of (1) barley and (2) oats were purchased by registered millers in the months October, November, December, 1934; and the amounts purchased by registered millers in October and November, 1935.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Millers' Grain Purchases.
Any advantage likely to be derived from the furnishing of the information asked for would not justify the work which would be involved in obtaining it.
Is it in order for the Minister categorically to refuse to furnish information in regard to operations which he has undertaken on behalf of the Dáil?
The Chair has no control over the Minister in that respect.
Has the House any power to compel the Minister to give essential facts?
Throw out the Government!
I wish to God we could.
That will come in time.
The Minister has entered into contingent liability in respect of barley and oats bought in the months of October, November and December, 1934, and again in October and November, 1935. I have put down a question to ascertain from him what is the contingent liability which he has contracted in respect of those five months. He simply refuses to answer. Is there any method of extracting that information in order to ascertain what contingent liability devolves on the Treasury?
It is not a matter for the Chair.
Dr. Ryan
The Deputy is only 20 per cent. correct.
And that is more than usual.
Does the Minister deny that, in connection with the purchase of oats and barley referred to in question 16, there is contingent liability on the Exchequer?
Dr. Ryan
Not for October, November or December, 1934, nor for October, 1935. We are, therefore, liable for only one month out of the five which the Deputy mentions, so he is only 20 per cent. correct.
The Minister declines to inform the House what that contingent liability is.
The Minister does not know.
Dr. Ryan
I could have answered for that month alone if I had been asked.
Surely it is the Minister's duty to give such information as he deems to be requisite in answer to a question set down in the Order Paper. If I repeat the question will the Minister be good enough to give the information which is relevant?
Dr. Ryan
Yes, for that month.