asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the increase since 1939 in the cost of producing milk to supply the Dublin area, and whether, in view of the sharp and progressive rise in the cost of feeding stuffs, the increase in the cost of cows and the higher cost of labour, he is aware that the increase of 1½d. per gallon in the price received by the producer is entirely inadequate, and whether he will re-examine the whole question with a view to a more equitable adjustment of the difference.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk in Dublin Area.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether recommendations have been made to him by the Dublin District Milk Board during the last eight months with reference to the price of milk, and, if so, the number of occasions on which such recommendations were made; and if such recommendations were in the nature of an increase in price, if he will state what reasons influenced him from not implementing the findings of a board set up for the purpose of advising him on such matters.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together. The prices payable to producers by distributors in the Dublin sale area during the year ending 30th April, 1941, represent an increase of 1½d. per gallon over those for the previous year. Recommendations for a further increase have been made to me on two occasions during the last eight months by the Dublin District Milk Board.
I am satisfied that the prices fixed are reasonable, taking everything into consideration, including the consumers' capacity to pay, and I do not propose to review them. An increase would necessarily entail an addition to retail prices, the effect of which would be to reduce consumption and contract still further the already limited market for liquid milk in the Dublin Milk Board's sale area.
Would the Minister say what useful purpose the Dublin District Milk Board serves if its recommendations are not implemented?
The board is there to discuss matters arising out of the milk supply in Dublin, including price. I met the board on the 1st April, 1940, when we discussed prices for the coming 12 months. I think that the price increase granted—1½d. per gallon over the 12 months—was reasonable.
Does the Minister think that the present management is satisfactory?
Of the board?
Generally, the supply of milk to the city.
No.
It is not satisfactory to the consumer.
I am not so satisfied about that.