asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he received a resolution from Kerry Committee of Agriculture regarding Castlemaine creamery; and if he has any observations to make on same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Creamery.
21.
My Department has received a copy of the resolution to which the Deputy refers and the county committee has been informed that there is no objection in principle to the transfer of dairy disposal creameries to co-operative ownership. When considering specific proposals of this nature regard would have to be had to such effects as proposed transfers would have on plans for the reorganisation of the creamery industry in the area concerned. If the proposals were agreed to, the acquisition by a co-operative society of the company's interest would be subject to adequate safeguards being taken to protect the welfare of the milk suppliers and of the creamery workers. The terms of sale would be subject to my approval and that of the Minister for Finance.
22.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the delay by the Dairy Disposal Board in meeting Castlemaine milk suppliers.
I am informed that the election of a consultative committee of all the milk suppliers to Castlemaine Creamery who would represent their interests at meetings with the Dairy Disposal Company, was upset last November by pickets placed by certain supplier interests at the election centres. The company is at present considering what action it could usefully take with a view to restoring arrangements for consultation with its Castlemaine suppliers.