asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that supplies of butter are not adequate in certain areas of the country; and, if so, whether he will take steps to transfer butter to such areas on request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Distribution.
There is sufficient butter in store, with current production, to keep the country supplied until next season's production is available provided reasonable care is exercised in its use. No area should, therefore, ordinarily be short of supplies. I will look into the circumstances of any area to which the Deputy draws my attention.
Am I to take it that the Minister will arrange, where shortages arise in certain areas, to have butter, if necessary compulsorily, transferred to those areas from places where a surplus exists?
I will do what I can. The Deputy will realise that the butter is not under my control; it is in the hands of private individuals, but I think something could be done if there is a serious shortage.
The Minister has power under an Emergency Order to require sales to be made compulsorily.
I did not think of that power yet.
But it is there.
The Minister used it before in connection with the creameries.