asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, having received the views of the co-operative societies on his proposal to stabilise the price of milk for a period of five years, he will now announce his policy in that regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk.
My policy in regard to all matters relating to the production of milk and milk products is to keep in touch with the farmers and their co-operative societies for the purpose of collaborating with them in the expansion and development of the industry on a basis which will enable the producers profitably to market a larger and larger volume of produce at home and abroad.
Will the Minister say, now that he has collaborated with the producers, when he is likely to announce his own policy regarding this industry?
That is my policy. I think it is a very good policy.
The Minister has already collaborated with the producers by asking them to accept a scheme outlined by himself. He has had replies from these committees, I understand, and it is surely to be expected from him that, having had these discussions and replies, he will now tell the country and relieve the producers of the uncertainty which now undoubtedly exists by making a clear statement of what his own policy is regarding this important business.
The Deputy appears to have overlooked the fact that collaboration is a continuing process. One does not collaborate with a man to-day and hit him on the head to-morrow morning. If I consult with and advise the farmers, I see that as a continuing process and I think it is the proper approach to allow this matter to develop in consultation with the farming interests concerned. The Deputy will no doubt have observed that I took occasion to meet the annual meeting of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society in this matter last week. I propose to continue meeting groups of farmers to discuss this matter with them and have little doubt that we shall find a means of formulating procedure which will ensure the farmers an opportunity profitably to market a larger and larger volume of produce at home and abroad.