asked the Minister for Agriculture whether there is any prospect of a shortage in domestic supplies of butter; and, if so, in how far does this shortage arise as a result of exports of butter to Continental markets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Shortage.
Dr. Ryan
Owing to unfavourable weather conditions, the winter production of creamery butter has fallen below normal since the beginning of this year. There is, however, no danger of a shortage in butter, as the importation of a comparatively small quantity between now and the end of next month will be sufficient to compensate for the decline in domestic production. Butter intended for Continental markets was stored at the period of high production last year. If it had not been reserved for that purpose, it would have been exported to the United Kingdom at the time. Consequently, export of butter to the Continent is not in any way responsible for the shortage in domestic supplies.
Is the Minister aware that as late as last Monday no butter was to be got from any source in one part of the West of Ireland, although the creameries in the South of Ireland were asked for supplies? Are we to understand from the Minister that butter has been exported from this country to the Continent of Europe with an immense subsidy in such quantities that, in fact, there is now no available supply of butter in this State?
Is the Minister aware that there is a shortage of butter in the City of Dublin?
Dr. Ryan
I am not aware that there is any shortage. There was a strong demand for butter, but no wholesaler or retailer has been left without butter, and, consequently, no consumer. I am aware that butter is being exported to the Continent without an immense subsidy, or any subsidy, as a matter of fact.
Is the Minister aware that as late as last Saturday there were retailers and wholesalers in Dublin who could not get butter?
Is the Minister further aware that as late as last Monday, endeavours were made by a merchant in the West of Ireland, personally and through his agents, to get supplies of butter in any part of the West of Ireland, or in the South of Ireland, and that none were forthcoming?
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Belton wants to get supplies for Spain?
Is the Minister aware that the "Clonlara" was here again last week?
And that there are thousands of unemployed here who never can get any butter?
Question 33.