asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the reasons why he dissolved the Milk Board for Dublin and district, which represented producers' and consumers' interests, and established instead a board of civil servants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin and District Milk Board.
The Government has decided that steps should be taken for the re-organisation of the collection and distribution of milk for the Dublin district with a view to maintaining supplies in the event of serious deterioration of transport. The present Dublin District Milk Board consisting of producer and trader members only was designed to deal under normal conditions with matters affecting their respective interests. A board so constituted is not considered a suitable body to deal with the problem which will arise if the present restricted transit and other facilities are still further impaired. Accordingly, it is intended to re-constitute the board by appointing to it persons who have had the question of the maintenance of the supply of milk for the Dublin district and its distribution in abnormal conditions under examination for some time past. It is probable that the reconstituted board will consist of the chairman of the present board with representatives of my Department and of the Departments of Supplies, Industry and Commerce and Local Government and Public Health, all of which Departments are concerned in the milk supply to the Dublin district.
It is proposed to retain the services of the members of the present board in the capacity of an advisory council to the reconstituted board.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does the Minister feel that his policy of setting up committees and boards composed solely of civil servants and arm-chair economists is the only possible way of solving our present problems, and that experienced and practical men should be put off such committees? Is that the policy of the Government with regard to our present difficulties?
I should not like to say yes to that question.
Then what is the answer?
It is "yes," but he does not like to say it, and you cannot blame the poor man.