asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state, in respect of each of the years 1942 to 1945, inclusive (a) the total quantity of milk handled by the Dairy Disposal Company; (b) the average price per gallon paid for such milk; (c) the average cost per pound of the manufacture of butter; and (d) the average price per pound realised by the company for the butter which they manufactured.

Any details in regard to the commercial affairs of creameries which are available in my Department are based on particulars obtained at creameries by inspectors under the Dairy Produce Acts. These particulars are supplied for the confidential information of my Department and while figures relating to the industry as a whole may be published without breach of confidence, I am not at liberty to disclose the particulars relating to any individual creamery or group of creameries. The answer to the question must, therefore, be in the negative.