asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to Press reports of a recent meeting of the Irish Creameries' Federation which is reported to have resolved not to offer butter for sale at less than 220/- per cwt., and some members of which are reported to have advocated the holding of butter stocks in cold storage until an increased price could be got, and if, in view of this report, he will now state (1) what steps he has taken to ascertain to what extent the acute shortage of butter for consumption has been and is due to the holding back of stocks by the creameries, and (2) what steps he is taking or proposes to take to ensure future supplies of butter at a fair price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Butter.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining parts, returns of production sales and stocks of butter, which are collected by my Department and published twice a month, show that creameries have not held back stocks and there is no need for intervention on my part.
Will the Minister answer the last two lines of the question? What steps is he taking to ensure butter supplies at a fair price?
I have answered that.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that this morning, outside shops in Dublin City, there were fully 100 people in a queue? Is he aware that at 12 o'clock that was the position outside at least three shops? The people want butter and what are they going to do? Is it not being withheld by somebody?
It is not.
Mr. Byrne
Then why are they not getting their proper supplies? We are almost in the middle of May, and why are the normal supplies not forthcoming?
It is not being withheld.
Mr. Byrne
Has the Minister no sympathy with those who have to wait for hours in a queue in order to get butter? These people are losing their time.
I have probably more genuine sympathy with them than the Deputy has.
Mr. Byrne
What is the Minister going to do in the present situation?
Answering the Deputy's questions here will not alter the situation.
Is the Minister aware that a threat has been made to hold back the butter until there are better prices?
I have answered that point also.
This matter has now been postponed until the 25th May?
Yes.
Then, until the 25th May, can we get some promise that the Minister will see that the butter is not held back?