asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the charge for distributing milk in the City of Dublin during the summer period is far in excess of the amount paid to the producer, and that during the winter period the charge for distribution approximates to the amount paid to the producer, and if he will state whether his Department has conducted an investigation into the cost of production and distribution, and whether, if he has satisfied himself that the charge for distribution cannot be justified, he will consider setting up an independent arbitrator to adjudicate on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Prices in Dublin.
While a minimum price to producers was fixed for milk sold in the City of Dublin last summer, retail prices varied within rather wide limits, with consequent variation between producers' and retail prices. Distribution costs of milk do not pertain to my Department and I am not, therefore, in a position to cause an investigation of them to be made.
Is the Minister not aware that the price paid to the producer for milk during the summer period is 7½d. and the charge for distribution is 1/4½d.; the consumer pays 2/-. The price paid to the producer——
In certain odd cases.
That is the general price. Generally it costs 1/4½d. to distribute an article produced at 7½d. During the winter the price paid is 1/3½d. and it costs 1/0½d. to distribute it. Does the Minister not consider that the charge for distribution is out of all proportion to that paid to the producer, that that is a matter for adjustment and that the suggestion made in my question should be entertained? Does the Minister not agree that it it is a way out of the very awkward situation existing at the moment?
It is very difficult to get figures on this matter but, though the Deputy may be right, there is no doubt that some milk is sold in the summer at 1/- per gallon over the counter and it is sold at 1/6 at the present time.
Will the Minister say what the producer—the man who sells to the wholesaler—is getting for milk during the summer period?
9d., I think.
I am informed that it is 7½d.
7½d. at the farm.
And the distributing charge is 1/4½d.
Not in all cases.
The price to the consumer during the summer period is 2/- is not that so?
No; a good deal is sold over the counter at 1½d. a pint.
Does the Minister agree that the charge for distribution is far in excess of the amount paid to the producer?
Possibly it is; I do not know.
And that that is, on the face of it, wrong; that it is too high?
Mr. Brennan
Would the Minister refer the matter to the Prices Commission? Does he not think it is a matter worth investigation?