asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared to have farmers whose farms are of less than 20 acres statute measure, and who are registered milk suppliers to towns and villages, exempted from the application of the Compulsory Tillage Order; and if he is aware that these farmers find it impossible to keep up the supply of milk during the winter months on account of the requirements of the tillage regulations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Tillage Order.
The effect of the Tillage Orders on milk producers of all categories has been fully and sympathetically borne in mind throughout the emergency, but, in view of the continuing necessity for the maximum production of homegrown foodstuffs, I regret that neither the class of person mentioned by the Deputy nor any other class of milk producer can be exempted from the requirements of the Order.
As regards the second part of the question, I am of opinion that, contrary to the Deputy's suggestion, the production of roots and cereals to provide feeding for their stock should be of great assistance in enabling the owners of dairy herds to maintain milk supplies, particularly in the winter months.