asked the Minister for Agriculture whether in view of the uncertainty that prevails in regard to the price of milk supplied to creameries, he will give a guarantee that the price paid to producers during the next five years will not be reduced except with the consent of the co-operative societies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Supplies.
I can well understand that there should be uncertainty amongst creamery suppliers as to the possibility of maintaining for any extended period the prices at present being paid for milk supplied to creameries. I am not able to guarantee the maintenance of present prices beyond this year; but I have recently outlined a plan which, if accepted by the dairying industry, would provide for the co-operative creameries an assured minimum price of 290/- per cwt. for all the butter that they produce over a period of five years, without prejudice to the opportunity of converting milk supplies into any other product, such as cheese, chocolate crumb, dried milk or cream, as opportunity may arise, thus making it possible for suppliers to receive in many areas over 1/- per gallon for milk and ensuring that in no area will they receive less.
Is the Minister aware that the proposals which he has submitted to the creamery suppliers amount to an ultimatum inasmuch as he has told suppliers that if they do not accept a reduction this year they may have to accept a greater reduction in the years to come? How can the Minister guarantee a price of 1/- per gallon for five years if it is not possible for him to guarantee 1/2, as is suggested here? Surely the same calculations must be made and surely the same uncertainties as to the future must arise in relation to guaranteeing a price for five years.
The Deputy is clearly under a misapprehension when he uses the term "ultimatum". If I may, I shall send him a copy of my letter which has been addressed to every society in Ireland and to which I have received a large number of helpful and courteous replies.
May I take it from the Minister's answer that the creameries will get a 12-month period in which to consider the full impact of the five-year plan?
I would be much distressed to think the creameries would take 12 months to answer my letter, and I am happy to inform the Deputy that I have already received a very large number of courteous and helpful replies from the creamery societies.