asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will now state what steps he proposes to take to improve the production of our dairying industry, especially the production of butter which is in short supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dairying Industry.
As I have stated on a number of occasions, the improvement of milk production is one of my principal objectives. In my opinion, this can be achieved by (1) improved feeding of dairy cattle; (2) improved breeding, and (3) elimination of disease. I propose to continue to do everything possible to encourage developments on these lines.
As regards improved feeding, a considerable sum is being spent by the Government on the improvement of land, including grassland. In addition, farmers can help to make more feeding-stuffs available by increased tillage in the knowledge that there is a good market for all they produce.
On the question of improved breeding, I am arranging for a considerable expansion of artificial insemination this season, and my Department has purchased a substantial number of high-class dairy shorthorn bulls which will be made available to breeders on easy terms.
As to the elimination of disease, I am encouraging in every possible way utilisation of the schemes for the control of parasitic diseases and contagious abortion, and I am also considering the whole question of bovine tuberculosis.
The Milk (Regulation of Supply and Price) Bill, 1952, contains a very important provision enabling the milk boards to introduce, with my approval, special measures for increasing milk production in their areas.