asked the Minister for Agriculture how many lbs. per head of unrationed creamery butter were consumed by the people of the Republic of Ireland in 1950 and how much is expected to be consumed in 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consumption of Unrationed Butter.
Mr. Walsh
As regards the first part of the question, particulars are not available as to the actual quantity of unrationed creamery butter consumed in 1950. I can, however, state that during the six months ended 31st December, 1950, in which the scheme for the sale of unrationed creamery butter was first in operation, the number of special wrappers issued by my Department to creameries for this purpose was 5,580,000 representing 49,820 cwt. of creamery butter, but all these wrappers may not have been used before the end of the year.
As to the second part of the question, the number of special wrappers issued in January to March, 1951, after which issues were discontinued, was 1,390,000, representing 12,410 cwt. of butter, and I cannot forecast the level of consumption of unrationed creamery butter during the remainder of the year should such supplies again become available.
I should add that these figures include unrationed butter purchased by suppliers of milk to creameries and by catering establishments, who at present receive extra supplies under special permit. These extra supplies would amount to about 40,000 cwt. in a period of 12 months.
Would the Minister state how many of these wrappers went around Brian Boru's butter?