asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the difficulties under which dairying is being carried on at present, he will take steps to continue the price of 1/- per gallon for milk at creameries for the summer months; and, if not, if he will issue a statement on the grounds on which it is proposed to offer any reduced price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk at Creameries.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the guaranteed price for milk delivered to creameries during the summer months of 1943 was 9d. per gallon: during the coming summer the price will be 10½d. per gallon. I do not propose to continue the winter price of 1/- per gallon for the summer months, as I consider 10½d. per gallon, with the separated milk returned to suppliers, a reasonable price for summer production in present circumstances. Moreover, an increase in that price would inflict an undue burden on the consumer and the taxpayer.