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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Jun 1945

Vol. 97 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home-milled and Imported Offals.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the percentage of home-milled offals for the cereal year ending August, 1939, taken up by (1) the compound manufacturers, and (2) the retail trade; and (b) the corresponding percentages allocated to the same parties now.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state for the cereal year ending August, 1939, the percentage of imported offals taken up by (a) the compound manufacturers and (b) the retail trade.

I propose to deal with question No. 12 and No. 13 together. As the distribution of offals was not controlled prior to 1943, I am unable to state the percentages of either home-milled or imported wheaten offals taken up in 1939 by compound feeding stuff manufacturers and by the retail trade. Approximately 25 per cent. of the present output of wheaten offals is allocated to manufacturers of compound feeding stuffs and the balance is sold by the millers to their trade customers.

Is the Minister satisfied that there is a sufficient percentage of such stuff available to the feeder?

There is not, of course.

Is there an undue proportion going to compound manufacturers? The Minister appreciates that it is the policy of his Department to encourage feeders to make up their own balanced ration. In view of that fact, is the Minister satisfied that the allocation is reasonable in the circumstances?

It is very hard to be satisfied that the allocation is reasonable but I think the Deputy will admit that small feeders who want, say, one cwt. at a time to feed one pig or a number of poultry find it very convenient to have a balanced ration made up. It is all a question of striking a fair balance.

Yes. The Minister appreciates that there is a good deal of complaint about the position?

Yes; both ways, I am afraid.

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