asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) how many pints of milk are conveyed daily from Edenderry to Mullingar for the military garrison stationed there; (b) what is the horse-power of the military vehicle used to carry this milk; (c) how many journeys are done each day for the purpose; (d) how many military personnel are employed to carry the milk; (e) what is the daily cost of the milk and the daily all-in cost of transporting it to Mullingar, including cost of petrol, pay and allowances, etc., of personnel, depreciation etc. and (f) how long has this practice been in operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Supply of Mullingar Military.
As tenders could not be obtained from local suppliers for milk for Mullingar Military Barracks it has been necessary since June, 1947, to obtain milk from the premises in Edenderry of the only firm—a Dublin one—which was prepared to supply. A 28 horse-power military vehicle, on which only the driver is employed, is used to convey 56 pints of milk once each day, except Sundays and Army holidays, from Edenderry to Mullingar. The daily cost of the milk is 12/10 or 2¾d. per pint, and the daily all-in cost of transport including the factors mentioned by the Deputy is 10/11 or an average of 2 19/56d. per pint.