asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious shortage of milk for the past month in the town of Mullingar and the prospect of this shortage continuing for an indefinite period; that this shortage is caused by dairy owners being unable to maintain an adequate number of cows owing to the operation of the Compulsory Tillage Order; if so, if he will consider allowing dairy owners to apply for exemptions from the Order, and if he will favourably consider such applications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mullingar Milk Supply.
I am not aware of any serious shortage of milk in the town of Mullingar, nor of any shortage of milk due to dairy owners being unable to maintain an adequate number of cows owing to the operation of the Compulsory Tillage Order. On the contrary, compliance with the Order has enabled many dairy farmers to produce increased winter feeding for their cows. The Order does not provide for the exemption of dairy owners from its requirements and, in view of the necessity for the greatest possible production of crops in the present emergency, I am not prepared to make provision for such exemptions.
I am told that there is a great shortage of milk in Mullingar. Will the Minister consider allowing dairy owners to put their case before the tillage inspectors if he finds that this is interfering with the milk supply in Mullingar?
I have answered both these questions already.
There is a big shortage of milk owing to the Compulsory Tillage Order.