asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a quantity of Russian wheat offals has been offered for sale by a Waterford firm; if a licence has been issued for their importation, and, if so, on what grounds, for what amount, and at what price; and if it is intended to allow further such imports from Russia.

As home production is inadequate to meet normal requirements, it is the practice to grant licences freely for the importation of wheat offals without restriction. As regards the remainder of the question, information, even if available, could not be disclosed about the commercial transactions of an individual firm.

Is the Minister aware that a circular has been issued indicating that a particular firm in Waterford has purchased a cargo of Russian wheat offals for November-December, 1960, shipment; and that they have pleasure in offering them for sale, up to 25 tons at £20 5s. per ton, 26 tons to 60 tons at £20 2s. 6d. per ton, and over 50 tons at £20 a ton? Can the Minister say, if we have a shortage of such offals, whether they cannot be obtained from countries other than Russia?

It never was the practice of my Department to be kept informed of the type of circular issued to people engaged in the trade.

Would the Minister say can we in Cork get offals at those prices?

According to Deputy O.J. Flanagan, who has seen a certain circular issued by the trade. What I am saying is that it is not necessary for merchants to advise the Department of the type of circular they are issuing to the trade. I have stated in reply to the question that "as home production is inadequate to meet normal requirements, it is the practice to grant licences freely for the importation of wheat offals without restriction. As regards the remainder of the question, information, even if available, could not be disclosed about the commercial transactions of an individual firm.