asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has considered the effect on the dairying districts of the 37½ per cent. tillage proposals, if put into operation; and if he is aware that it must result in (a) a reduction in the number of dairy cows, or (b) inadequate pasturage for many herds, with a consequent loss in milk and butter production and in the rearing of stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tillage and Dairying.
I have fully considered the effect on the dairying districts of the 37½ per cent. tillage requirement in 1944 and I am not satisfied that compliance with it will have the result suggested in the Deputy's question. The production of cereals and roots on the land tilled by dairy farmers should provide them with feeding stuffs sufficient to compensate, particularly in the winter period, for any corresponding reduction in pasturage.
While the production of roots and grain might provide food for cattle over the winter period, the Minister must be aware that the greater proportion of dairying in this country is carried on on summer pasturage, and the reduction of pasturage, owing to the 37½ per cent. tillage, must affect the number of cows devoted to the production of milk. Might I suggest to the Minister——
The Deputy might ask the Minister a question.
A way out of the difficulty might be found by a relaxation in this direction, that those dairy farmers who till in wheat a greater percentage than the stipulated ten per cent. of wheat required by the Minister would get a pro rata reduction in the 37½ per cent. tillage. That would provide the additional quantity of wheat that we all desire, and would also make provision for the continued existence of herds of dairy cows for the maintenance of which this House has already voted considerable sums. It would also make provision for the maintenance of supplies of butter which are already in a precarious position.
I am afraid that the amount of inspection that would be necessary to carry out the Deputy's suggestion would be very heavy and would hardly be justified by the results.
Is the Minister not aware that the matter is very important and that even if the scheme I suggest were to cost a little extra in inspection, the results would more than justify it?
Would the Minister consider allowing as a concession to registered milk suppliers who till the necessary one-tenth of their land in wheat, the balance of the acreage which they are at present required to till? In that way you would not lose on wheat production, while you would also ensure that milk supplies would be maintained. There is very danger at present that milk supplies cannot be maintained.
Is the Minister aware that dairy farmers in County Limerick have increased their herds since compulsory tillage started?
In answer to the question of Deputy Cosgrave, I do not think it would be practicable to make any exception in the case of milk suppliers because there are many other classes of producers who might claim that they they should get the same treatment.
What does the Minister mean by "producers"?
For instance, vegetable producers, beet producers and producers of other commodities might feel that they were just as much entitled to preferential treatment as milk producers. With regard to the question of Deputy O Briain, I have been making inquiries and I have found only one case in which a producer of milk has reduced his herd on account of compulsory tillage.
Would the Minister examine the proposals which I have made with a view to seeing whether they might not be adopted?
Yes.