asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that there is a grave shortage of milk in a number of towns in County Westmeath and that there is a considerable demand in the area for the establishment of cow-parks; and, if so, whether he is prepared (i) to make land available for this purpose in the neighbourhood of towns, and (ii) to recognise a body of responsible citizens locally as fit and proper trustees for these cow-parks.

In the preparation of schemes for the division of any suitable lands becoming available in the vicinity of towns, careful consideration will be given to the possibility of allotting cow-parks for the benefit of the townspeople where it is found that a demand for such accommodation exists.

As regards the second part of the question it is considered desirable that such fields should be managed by a responsible body such as the county council.