asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the very substantial increase in production costs during the past year, it is the intention of the Government to increase the price paid to producers of milk for human consumption.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk.
I am satisfied that the present margin of profit enjoyed by producers of milk for human consumption is reasonable, and I do not, therefore, propose to fix increased prices.
Is the Minister aware that the present price provides for a very drastic reduction in the price payable in the month of April which is the most expensive month in which to produce milk?
I think the Deputy must be under a misapprehension in that connection. The price fixed for liquid milk is designed to give to the producer a return for the total gallonage of milk delivered by him in the milk consumption area he serves, and so, taking the average of the price fixed for the whole 12-month period, the result works out at an average basic price for all the milk delivered. It was believed that those who maintain a uniform supply, winter and summer, would be advantaged by giving a higher premium in the months of November, December, January, February and March. If the milk suppliers make representations to me that they would prefer to have the higher price spread over the months of October, November, December, January, February, March and April, that could easily be arranged in fixing next year's schedule of prices.
Will the Minister take into account the increasing cost of production last year, particularly the increase in wages?
I certainly will.
The remaining questions will appear for answer on to-morrow's Order Paper.