asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received complaints from merchants in County Wicklow stating their inability to supply butter to their customers because of inadequate supplies, and if any investigation of the position has been made in the district by inspectors of his Department, and what is the result of such investigation; also, whether the Minister is aware that practically no farmers' butter is available in County Wicklow owing to the fact that milk from the county is going to meet requirements in Dublin; and whether, in view of the facts, he will consider the rationing of butter in County Wicklow or make available immediately additional supplies to merchants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Supplies.
During the winter months complaints were received from butter retailers in County Wicklow that they were unable to obtain sufficient supplies of butter for their customers. These complaints were investigated and, where the complaints were justified, the traders were enabled to obtain increased supplies.
I am aware that milk is sent to Dublin from County Wicklow and that the quantity of farm butter produced in the county is relatively small.
The extension of butter rationing to the whole country, announced by the Minister for Supplies, should ensure equitable distribution.
Is the Minister aware that, for the last fortnight, many poor people have been unable to get any butter in the county? Some merchants state that they are getting only small supplies from the creameries and others are holding up supplies in expectation of rationing next week. As a result, the poor people are getting none.
There should be considerable improvement.
But those who have been deprived of butter are not receiving it.