asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the total quantity of butter in cold store on 1st October, 1st November and 1st December for each of the years 1942 and 1943; (b) the aggregate quantity of butter produced by creameries in the months of November, 1942, and November, 1943; (c) the quantity of butter produced by creameries during the period 1st December, 1942, to 1st May, 1943; and (d) the estimated quantity likely to be produced for the same period in 1943-44.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Production and Stocks.
The quantities of creamery and non-creamery butter held in cold storage on the following dates were:—
|
1942 |
1943 |
|
|
cwt. |
cwt. |
|
|
1st October |
162,000 |
193,000 |
|
1st November |
174,000 |
200,500 |
|
1st December |
165,500 |
178,000 |
The quantities of creamery butter produced during the months of November, 1942, and November, 1943, were 38,224 cwt. and 30,728 cwt. respectively.
The production of creamery butter from 1st December, 1942, to 1st May, 1943, was 70,634 cwt. It is impossible at this date to forecast the production of creamery butter during the corresponding period this winter but it is expected that it may reach approximately the same level as last winter.
In view of the fairly substantial reduction in the month of November, as compared with the same month in 1942, will the Minister say if there is the likelihood of a shortage of butter in the spring time?
It will be very tight anyway on the present ration.