asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what stage the negotiations between the Dairy Disposals Board and the newly-formed co-operative society for the sale of the Newmarket, County Cork, group of creameries have reached; and if he will state the total amount of the purchase money payable; and if he will segregate the total figure between (a) milk supplies and premises, (b) trade stock, (c) expense stock, (d) outstanding advances to suppliers; and, further, if he will state what steps are taken by his Department to acquaint the individual suppliers of the position so as to ascertain their views thereon.

While the negotiations to which the Deputy refers are still in progress, I do not consider it advisable to furnish the information asked for.

My Department has not been in communication with the individual suppliers to the Newmarket group of creameries in regard to these negotiations.