asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if any proposals are under consideration to prevent a hold-up of essential foods for the citizens and if he will state the position regarding the future supplies of milk.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Food and Milk Supplies.
Mr. A. Byrne
I would refer the Deputy to the Taoiseach's replies to similar questions addressed to him by Deputies Dunne, Finucane and Mulcahy.
Mr. A. Byrne
Will the Minister answer the last part of the question: "if he will state the position regarding the future supplies of milk"? I want some guarantee that the citizens of Dublin will not be deprived of a supply of milk.
Mr. Walsh
The whole position was covered by the Taoiseach's statement last night.
Mr. A. Byrne
It was not. I am asking the Minister to give me an answer to the question as to what safeguard we have for the future supply of milk to the citizens of Dublin, the children and the women who are anxiously waiting in the morning for milk and sometimes do not get it.
Mr. Walsh
Has there been any shortage of milk?
Mr. A. Byrne
There is a terrific shortage of fresh milk.
Will the Government reconsider the whole position and meet the milk producers with a view to settling this very serious position in the country? Will they forget their pride, come down to earth, and meet the milk producers?
Will the Minister state whether the reconditioned milk on sale in the city is putting a charge on the Exchequer; whether it is being retailed at an economic price?
Mr. Walsh
That is another question.
We would like to know whether the Government is subsidising it. Why not inform the Government that it is being sub-sidised?