asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the majority of the producers supplying the Terelton group of creameries in the South Cork area would view with alarm any proposal to hand over that group of creameries to the I.A.O.S., and if he will undertake to hold a ballot of the suppliers before taking any steps to take them over from the Dairy Disposals Board.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Terelton Creamery Group.
The position is that the St. Michael's Co-operative Society, which is understood to comprise a substantial number of the milk suppliers of the Terelton group of creameries, is contemplating the purchase of the group from the Dairy Disposal Company. Negotiations between the society and the company are at present in progress and if they arrive at terms mutually satisfactory, I see no reason why this co-operative society should be prevented from following the example of so many other similar societies in the dairying districts by engaging in the business of making creamery butter.
Would the Minister not consider taking a ballot vote of the suppliers?
I am much flattered by the Deputy's assumption that the majority of the suppliers would prefer that the Dairy Disposal Company would continue that function, but I must not yield to that natural inclination because I think it is the desire of the Oireachtas that the creamery industry should be operated by the cooperative societies. Therefore, if one can get a good responsible society prepared to carry on the business, I think the right thing is to facilitate it.