asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the reasons why he decided to reject the recommendation of the Dublin District Milk Board that the price of milk be increased to 2/8 a gallon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk.
On this matter there is nothing I have to add to my reply to Deputy Hughes's question last Wednesday.
Is the Minister not aware that as a result of his refusal to accept the unanimous recommendation made to him by all interests concerned there is a danger of a serious shortage of milk in this city during the coming winter? Is the Minister prepared to take responsibility for the shortage?
The Minister, of course, will have to take responsibility for whatever decision he arrives at.
The Minister knows he can fall back on the creameries.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the growing discontent among producers of milk in the Dublin production area, arising from the altogether uneconomic price for milk that has been in operation, and of the grave dissatisfaction felt with the inadequacy of the recent price announcement; that a large number of herds are being substantially reduced in numbers; and if, in view of the repercussions this condition is likely to have on winter supplies, and in order to avoid further deterioration, he will reconsider the whole matter with a view to effecting a substantial increase in the present price.
I am not aware of grave dissatisfaction amongst producers as suggested by the Deputy or that large numbers of herds are being substantially reduced. I am not prepared to authorise a further increase in the prices recently announced.
Does the Minister definitely state that he is not aware of the reduction in the cow population in the country and in the production area for the Dublin sales district? Surely the Minister knows that statistics bear that out.
If I have not conveyed it in my reply, I do not know in what form I should put it.