asked the Minister for Agriculture if, having regard to his recent statement that there is a surplus of milk being supplied to Dublin City, he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to subsidise the retail price of milk in cities and towns, so that the poor and lower wage-earning groups can buy milk in sufficient quantity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidising Milk Prices.
The increase in milk production which has taken place this year has, as the Deputy says, resulted in the very gratifying situation in which there is a superabundant supply for the city's milk requirements. Doubtless, the chronic conditions of shortage which obtained during the last 15 years discouraged the then Administration from considering the public spirited proposal now brought forward by the Deputy, and, accordingly, the occasion for dealing with it arises now for the first time. In principle, any device designed to lower the cost of essential foodstuffs is entitled to most favourable consideration, and if the Deputy would indicate what amount of subsidy he has in mind, his proposal can be examined realistically. In the meantime, he will be gratified to know that while the retail price of milk last year was 3½d. per pint in May and June and 4d. per pint from July to September, this year the retail price will be 3½d. per pint throughout the corresponding period.
It is estimated that the annual retail sales of milk in cities and towns in Ireland amount to 50,000,000 gallons, so that each penny of subsidy on the lines suggested by the Deputy may be estimated to cost £1,700,000 per annum, and this will, of course, engage the Deputy's attention when formulating the precise proposal he has in mind.