§ 60. Mr. BYRNEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what steps his Department propose to take to safeguard a supply of milk for the Irish people?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)The Department of Agriculture are not aware that there has been a reduction in the supply of milk generally throughout Ireland, nor that there has been any recent increase in the 760 price of milk. In many districts in the country brewers' grains are not fed to dairy cattle, and as the cattle are now being generally put out to grass the supply of milk should thereby be increased. The subject of the milk supply receives constant attention in the Department, with a view to taking any necessary action, and in the administration of the compulsory tillage regulations, the Department has been careful to keep in view the question of grazing for milch cows required for the milk supply of towns.
§ Mr. BYRNEHas not the right hon. Gentleman read the statement of the Vice-President of the Department in Ireland that there is a shortage of milk?
§ Mr. DUKEI did not read the statement. I have been asked a good many questions as to the shortage of milk, and I have given answers to them based upon the official information that I have received from the Department of Agriculture, and I rely upon it.
§ Mr. BYRNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a responsible official of the Department has made the statement in Ireland that there is a threatened shortage of milk and that something must be done?