asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware (1) that serious unrest prevails among the milk suppliers to creameries in South Kerry as they are not receiving the increase awarded since the 1st of April last unless perhaps there was a test of 4 per cent. butter fat; (2) that such a result is rarely obtainable; (3) that farmers supplying milk to three different creameries, Dicksgrove, Castlemaine, Rathmore, with the same test, say 3.5 per cent., got different prices, and (4) that suppliers are told they are paid increased price on average test but are not told what the average test is; and, if so, if he will ensure that the same price is paid to suppliers in all groups under the Dairy Disposal Company and if he will fix his present price of 16 pence per gallon for milk of a certain standard, e.g., 3 per cent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Milk Suppliers.
Mr. Walsh
As regards (1) the Deputy is under a misapprehension in stating that an increased price for creamery milk was approved as from 1st April last. The increase approved by the previous Government was in respect of the period beginning 1st May last and the further increase recently announced by me relates to the period commencing on 1st July. I am not aware that there is serious unrest among the milk suppliers to creameries in South Kerry as regards the prices obtained by them for their milk supplies. In fact, I am informed by the Dairy Disposal Company that suppliers to creameries in this area are being paid on the basis of the increased prices.
I am aware of the points mentioned at (2), (3) and (4) in the Deputy's question, but I am not prepared to act as he suggests. I may say that it is not the practice for creameries generally to inform their milk suppliers of the average butter fat content of all the milk received by the creamery each month, nor is it practicable for economic reasons for different creameries to pay the same price for milk.
If I give the Minister certain further details in connection with this matter will he be kind enough to consider them?
Mr. Walsh
Any further details the Deputy gives me I will certainly consider them.