asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state:— (1) the amount expended by his Department since 1st April, 1926, on the purchase of creameries and associated undertakings; (2) the number of creameries, auxiliaries, and other associated undertakings, respectively, thus purchased; (3) the number of creameries and other undertakings, respectively, disposed of (a) to farmers' co-operative societies, (b) to others, and the aggregate prices, under each head, for which they were disposed of; (4) the general terms of sale of such creameries, etc. (a) to farmers' co-operative societies, (b) to others; (5) the total amount, including interest and all other charges, which it is anticipated will be realised in respect of the creameries, etc., sold (a) to farmers' co-operative societies, (b) to others; (6) the aggregate value of the properties, including buildings, plant, book-debts and all other assets, of the businesses and undertakings purchased by the Minister's Department in connection with the scheme and not yet disposed of (a) at the date of purchase, and (b) at the present date; (7) the total amount which the Minister anticipates will ultimately be realised in respect of the properties not yet disposed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saorstát Creameries.
Mr. Hogan
The following are the particulars referred to:—(1) £564,156. (2) 53 Central Creameries, 131 Auxiliary Creameries, 10 Condenseries and other assets, including a Toffee Factory, houses, mills, lands and shops. (3) (a) 44 for £73,330; (b) 57 for £22,840. (4) (a) Repayment of the amount advanced, in 8 years, with interest at 5½ per cent.; (b) as a rule for cash. (5) (a) £91,470; (b) £24,940. In regard to the portions of the question numbered (6) and (7), it would not be in the public interest that the information asked for should at present be published.