asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that certain co-operative creameries are subscribing to the Irish Creamery Suppliers' Association without the permission of the shareholders and whether he will take immediate steps to safeguard the shareholders' rights by issuing a circular to all creameries subsidised by the State to cease immediately this levy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subscriptions to Creamery Suppliers' Association.
Mr. Walsh
If there are any co-operative creamery societies that are making deductions from payments due to suppliers in respect of subscriptions to any association without permission of the suppliers concerned, this would be quite irregular. I am sure that if any action of this kind is brought to the notice of the committee of management of the creamery concerned, the committee will take appropriate action to ensure that the suppliers' rights are not abused.
Is the Minister aware that there are various creameries in Cork where the collection is being made? I know of one case where 1/-per cow was being stopped and the suppliers were of the opinion that they had to subscribe. In view of that, will the Minister put an advertisement or a statement in the newspapers pointing out that this can only be done at the option of the suppliers; that it is not mandatory?
Mr. Walsh
It is highly irregular for any person to withhold money from suppliers without their permission.
Will the Minister do something to prevent that?