asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) how much money has been advanced from State funds to date under the Creamery Act, 1928, for the purchases of creameries; (2) how many such creameries were involved, where they were situated, and the purchase price of the concern in each case; (3) how many such creameries have since been (a) sold and transferred to co-operative societies; (b) closed down, and (c) remain on hands and are now worked by the Dairy Disposals Boards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Operations under Creamery Act, 1928.
The particulars asked for by the Deputy are being compiled. If the Deputy will repeat his question in, say, a week's time, I hope to be in a position to let him have information under the heads set out in the question.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) how much money has been advanced since the passing of the Creamery Act, 1928, by way of loan to co-operative creamery societies, and what interest is chargeable; (2) how much money has now been given to such co-operative creamery societies by way of free grant or subsidy in the same period, and (3) if his Department in any way acts as guarantor or security for moneys that may be borrowed by way of loan or overdraft from banks.
(1) The total sum advanced by way of loan to co-operative creamery societies since the passing of the Creamery Act, 1928, is £48,106 6s. 4d. Of this amount £24,463 was advanced subjec to 5½ per cent. interest per annum, and the balance was advanced free of interest, but 3 per cent. is chargeable on instalments of the interest-free loans remaining unpaid for more than four weeks. (2) Free grants amounting to £3,162 2 s. 6d. were made to co-operative creamery societies in the same period. (3) The answer is in the negative.