asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the number of gallons of (a) whole milk, (b) skim milk supplied to the Rathmore chocolate crumb factory for the manufacture of chocolate crumb for each of the years 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951 and up to 1st October, 1952; (2) the number of gallons of (a) whole milk and (b) skim milk to be allocated for the coming year; (3) the reason for the restricted supply, and (4) the effect the reduction is likely to have on the number of employees at present in the factory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rathmore Chocolate Crumb Factory.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the proposed curtailment of milk supplies to Messrs. Fry-Cadbury's chocolate crumb factory, Rathmore, and if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken to prevent serious unemployment likely to result from the restrictions as well as the disruption of trade in a thriving and progressive village.
Mr. Walsh
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
As regards (1) and (2) in question No. 153, it is not the practice to supply information relating to the trading of any individual concern. As regards the reference to the restriction in milk supplies to the firm mentioned, the position is that, with a view to conserving essential supplies of milk for butter manufacture which must, of course, have priority, this firm, in common with other manufacturers of chocolate crumb, was restricted in the quantity of milk which they could use during the current season. The Deputy will, no doubt, appreciate that it is only such quantities of milk as can be spared from butter-making from time to time that are allocated to the manufacturers of chocolate crumb. Following the receipt of representations on behalf of the firm that they were running short of milk supplies for the requirements of their home trade in chocolate, I arranged to allow the firm the extra quantity of milk which they requested. So far as I am aware, therefore, the question of unemployment to which the Deputy refers does not arise. As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, however, the manufacture of chocolate crumb being seasonal, there is always some disemployment of workers during the winter.
Is the Minister aware that a number of men employed in the factory were under notice of dismissal and would have been dismissed but for the timely intervention of Deputy Mrs. Crowley and myself?
And of Deputies Palmer and McAuliffe and your humble servant.
You were 50 miles away and you had nothing to do with it.
May I inquire of the Minister in how far is the import of butter rendered necessary by this tumultuous representation to him from County Kerry on behalf of the Rathmore chocolate crumb factory?
Mr. Walsh
That is a separate question. If the Deputy puts down a question I will answer it.
Will the Minister indicate what the effect will be on the supply of milk to creameries and the price paid?
Mr. Walsh
That is a separate question.