asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that in several districts where creameries are operating there are no local milk retailers and that consequently poor people cannot obtain supplies for their families; that such a position actually exists in County Kilkenny where the Mullinbeg Creamery Society operates; and, if so, if he will consider a relaxation of the milk retailing regulations in rural areas so as to permit of local people purchasing from creameries sufficient milk for the needs of their families.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Supply in Rural Areas.
I am not aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. Under the terms of Emergency Powers (No. 95) Order, 1941, the provisions of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1935, were relaxed, due to emergency conditions, so as to permit of the sale in strictly rural areas by unregistered dairymen and creameries of daily quantities of milk not exceeding two gallons and five gallons, respectively, and the powers taken under the Order in question were intended to cope with difficulties such as the Deputy states have arisen.
Whilst I understand that there are no registered dairymen in the vicinity of Mullinbeg, supplies of milk should otherwise be procurable having regard to the applicability of Emergency Powers (No. 95) Order to the district. I am making inquiries into the matter.