asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that a considerable number of people in Swords are without supplies of butter, owing to the fact that the Lucan Dairies Co. have failed to deliver supplies of butter to the following shopkeepers: Mrs. Pawley, Main Street; Miss M.E. Ryan, North Street; and Mrs. J. Howard, North Street, Swords; and if, in view of this, he will have the matter investigated immediately; and, also, if he is prepared to allow these retailers to transfer their butter permits to another firm, which will be in a position to maintain supplies of butter to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Supplies in County Dublin.
I am not aware that a considerable number of people in Swords are without supplies of butter, or that the wholesale firm mentioned by the Deputy failed to make deliveries to the three shopkeepers named. The information furnished to my Department by the wholesaler indicates that during the five delivery weeks ended 18th instant, the three retailers obtained sufficient butter to meet the rations of the domestic consumers registered with them.
Butter retailers may at any time nominate the wholesaler from whom they wish to obtain butter and normally the nominations are accepted by my Department. Accordingly, if the traders referred to by the Deputy wish to transfer their butter permits to another supplier the necessary arrangements will be made on receipt of written applications.
Is the Minister not aware that the Guards were rung up by the Department of Supplies as to whether the rations of butter had been sent to these traders, and that the latter came to my house on two or three occasions in connection with the matter? Is he not aware of the statements made to me in connection with this?
I am aware that they are not correct. Examinations have been made, and it is quite clear that each of the traders concerned received each week for the past five weeks more than sufficient butter to supply the rations of each of the registered customers.