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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Butter.

asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware of the acute shortage of butter in many areas throughout the country and the consequent hardships inflicted on persons who are unable to obtain supplies of butter; and if he will state what steps he has taken to remedy the position.

I am aware that there is a seasonal shortage of butter in the country generally, and that the reserve stocks accumulated during the period of surplus production, together with the winter production, are not sufficient to meet full requirements.

Where attention is drawn to a shortage of butter in any area, the matter is investigated by the Department of Agriculture and by my Department, and if it is established that the supplies to that area are not sufficient to meet reasonable demands, extra quantities are made available within the limits of the officially controlled stocks.

Is the Minister aware that there is a very widespread shortage of butter in many towns throughout the country: that many persons are not able to get the weekly ration of a ½ lb. of butter, and that some are not able to get even a ¼ lb.? In view of that fact, will he release sufficient supplies to meet that situation?

We cannot release any more than we have. Where complaints have been received from any town as to the undue shortage of butter, arrangements to increase the supplies have been made.

Will the Minister say what stocks are in hand at the moment, and whether they are sufficient to replenish the existing supplies, bearing in mind the fact that we are now coming into the butter production season?

The shortage is due almost entirely to a very substantial increase in butter consumption. In fact, the quantities now being distributed are equivalent to the normal, average, monthly consumption of butter, but they are insufficient to meet the current demands. The supply can be maintained at the present normal monthly level.

Does the Minister say that people are eating as much butter as normally?

I say that 45,000 cwts of butter are being distributed monthly, which is practically the same amount as would be distributed normally.

The whole truth of the matter is that in many cases people cannot get butter, and it is extremely difficult in most cases.

The demand for butter has increased substantially.

People are consuming less butter because they cannot get it.

Last year the people consumed far more butter than ever before.

The select people!

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