§ 22. Mr. CLANCYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made last week by the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) that a serious shortage of milk would occur in a few months' time in that country; whether he has received a resolution passed by the North Dublin Board of Guardians suggesting that for the purpose of securing a sufficient supply of pure new milk for the poor 310 in the large towns of Ireland, the creameries should be taken over by the Food Controller; whether there is even at present a serious scarcity of fresh milk, not only in the towns of Ireland, but in many rural districts; and whether, before a milk famine actually occurs, some steps will be taken by the Government at once to avert such a calamity, especially by providing land or enabling rural districts to provide land for grazing by milch cows owned by labourers?
§ Mr. DUKEI have been in communication with the Department of Agriculture on this subject, and have no reason to suppose that there is the risk of a milk famine which is suggested in the question.
§ Mr. CLANCYThe suggestion has not been made by me, but by the right hon. Gentleman's colleague, the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture.
§ Mr. DUKEThis is a matter about which I have had a great deal of discussion and inquiry. The fact is, I believe, that there is no shortage.