asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that creameries, with a reduction of 20 per cent. in milk supplies during the first eight months of this year as compared with the corresponding period in 1938, have to meet increased manufacturing charges, including American coal at £9 a ton delivered, wages, carriage, etc., and are unable to pay the fixed price for milk this year, except at considerable monthly working losses; if he will state the reasons why, in fixing the figure of butter production allowances, he has not taken into consideration the 30 per cent. increase in creamery manufacturing expenses which has occurred since 1943; and if he will now adjust the production allowance figure with retrospective effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creamery Costs.
While there has, no doubt, been some increase in the cost of manufacture of creamery butter this year, I am not satisfied that the circumstances of creameries generally are as suggested in the Deputy's question. The cost of manufacture is at present under examination as a preliminary to considering next year's production allowance arrangements.