asked the Minister for Agriculture if in view of the urgency of the eradication of bovine T.B. and the non-existence of pasteurisation plants in travelling creameries he will now make a statement regarding the provision of such plants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Pasteurisation Plants for Travelling Creameries.
The Dairy Disposal Company, Limited, which operates travelling creameries in Counties Clare, Cork and Kerry, has for some time past, at the request of my Department, been examining the problem as to how best to arrange for the continuance of creamery facilities in the areas served by the travelling creameries and at the same time secure the pasteurisation of the separated milk returned to milk suppliers. So far, the outcome of the company's investigations has been to decide on the erection of 11 new cream-separating stations as well as the introduction of milk cartage arrangements, which will have the effect of displacing 21 of the company's 36 travelling creameries. The measures which have already been put into effect during the current year have made it possible to withdraw approximately one-third of the total number of travelling creameries. The company is actively engaged in formulating plans for the replacement of the remaining travelling creameries and, as most of these plans are at an advanced stage of development, the company is hopeful that by next year the whole task will have been satisfactorily completed.