asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what quantity of New Zealand butter is at present held in cold storage in this country and where it is stored; further, if he will state how long it will last at the present rate of consumption and if all this butter will be allocated for consumption in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Zealand Butter Stocks.
According to returns received by my Department, the total quantity of imported butter held in cold store on the 15th May, 1952, was 37,709 cwt., comprising 34,156 cwt. in Dublin, 1,395 cwt. in Cork, 1,580 cwt. in a creamery in County Cavan, and 578 cwt. in Sligo. At the present rate of consumption, present stocks of imported butter would last for about 12 weeks. As regards the last part of the Deputy's question, the present arrangements for the distribution of imported butter will be maintained until the abolition of rationing early in July. The arrangements to be made thereafter are at present under consideration.
Is the Minister aware that the intake of milk at the various creameries in Cork has increased by 40 per cent. on the intake at this time last year? What will he do with the butter that will be produced at these creameries?
That is a separate question.
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