asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been directed to a statement issued by the committee of the Irish Shorthorn Breeders' Association that part of the reason for the scarcity of milk in creamery areas during the scarce winter period could be attributed to farmers selling off their high yielding cows to dairy men who milk these cows for the time of their lactation and then sell them off as canners; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.

I have read in the newspapers the statement to which the Deputy refers, but I am not aware of any evidence on which the contention could be based that winter dairying in creamery areas is being affected to any appreciable extent by the sale of high yielding cows to dairy men.