asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a very acute scarcity of milling offal, viz., bran and pollard, in many areas in the West of Ireland; and, if so, if he will state the reasons; and if he is prepared to arrange for an equitable distribution of these commodities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Milling Offal.
Prior to the emergency the quantity of bran and pollard produced by the flour mills in this country amounted to 30 per cent. of the wheat milled and when necessity arose home production was supplemented by imported supplies. Owing to the higher extraction of flour, the output of wheaten offals is now only about one-half of the previous output and no imported offals are available. It is necessary to reserve a portion of the offals for incorporation in compound feeding stuffs and the balance is distributed as equitably as possible.
The Minister says that about 50 per cent. of the pre-war supplies are now available. I know merchants—retailers and wholesalers —in the west of Ireland who are not getting an equitable share of the supplies. Is it not a fact that a considerable amount of the available supplies is being diverted to the south of Ireland, the west being left with practically nothing?
So far as I know, the distribution is equitable as amongst the various districts.
Is it not a fact that some people, particularly in Cork, are receiving about 70 per cent. while others in the west are receiving only about 30 per cent.?
I do not think so but I shall inquire further.
Is there any increase in the use of offals for incorporation in compounds?
No. About 25 per cent. goes into compound feeding stuffs and the proportion is not greater than formerly.