asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) how many maize mills in West Cork have been closed down by cancellation of their licences during the year ended 30th June, 1936; (2) what was the average period during which the cancellation lasted; (3) how many such mills are closed down presently, and how many persons are consequently disemployed; and (4) what period of cancellation will such mills have to endure before their licences are restored.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maize Mills (West Cork).
Dr. Ryan
(1) The registration of six maize mills in the parliamentary constituency of West Cork was cancelled during the year ended 30th June, 1936. The registration of one of these mills was cancelled at the request of the owner. The registration of the remaining five mills was cancelled in consequence of the failure of the millers to comply with the provisions of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) Act, 1933, and, in one of these cases, the registration had previously been cancelled for a similar reason. (2) Four of the cancellations of registration for non-compliance with the Act took place within the period from 23rd March, 1936, to 23rd June, 1936, and still continue. In the fifth such case of cancellation, which took place on 22nd July, 1935, registration was restored on 18th May, 1936. (3) Five mills, including the one of which the registration was cancelled voluntarily, are at present closed, but information is not available as to the number of persons disemployed. (4) The period of cancellation normally lasts for not less than six months, but the actual duration in the case of any particular mill depends upon the nature and gravity of the offences which the owner has committed under the Acts and the prescribed regulations.