asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is correct that foreign manufactured condensed milk is on sale in Dublin shops and that retail traders have been instructed that they will not be supplied with, or allowed to sell Irish-made condensed milk; and, if so, he will make a statement concerning the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Condensed Milk.
Mr. Walsh
For the purpose of meeting essential needs of consumers, especially infants and invalids, in the Dublin and Cork districts, during the stoppage of milk supplies by producers in February last, a quantity of condensed milk was imported by the Condensed Milk Company of Ireland (1928) Limited to supplement their stocks of home produced milk. Imports included sweetened as well as unsweetened condensed milk. All of the sweetened variety has been sold but some of the unsweetened milk is still on hands and the Condensed Milk Company have temporarily suspended distribution of Irish unsweetened milk, pending the disposal of the imported stocks.
The imported condensed milk is of excellent quality.
Is it correct then that retailers in Dublin have been forbidden to sell Irish-made condensed milk and are compelled against their wishes and against the desire of their customers to supply foreign-made condensed milk? I have a label here.
Mr. Walsh
Nobody has forbidden them to sell any milk they wish.
Is it the position that the Condensed Milk Company refuse to supply Irish-made condensed milk?
Mr. Walsh
They have not been forbidden.
Speak the truth above all.