asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the total quantity of milk delivered to creameries during the period 1st January to mid-April in each of the years 1957, 1958 and 1959, and (2) the estimated quantity of butter which will be available for export during the current year; and if he is satisfied that stocks of butter are adequate to cover current requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk and Butter Statistics.
21.
(1) The approximate quantity of milk delivered to creameries during the period from 1st January to 16th April in each of the years 1957, 1958 and 1959 were as follows:—
|
1957 |
28,795,900 gallons |
|
1958 |
28,208,700 ,, |
|
1959 |
23,022,600 ,, |
(2) It is as yet too early in the butter production season to estimate with any degree of accuracy the quantity of butter which may be available for export during the current year.
I am satisfied that stocks of butter are adequate to cover current requirements.
Did the Minister say 28,000 gallons? Should it be 28,000,000?
I said 28,000,000.
You said 28,000.
Perhaps the Minister would repeat the figures.
With pleasure.
The Minister said 28,000.
I will bring in a little blue blouse for the Deputy and put it on him. It might put him in good form.
There is nothing about Blueshirts in either the question or the answer but only for the Blueshirts there would be no free speech in this country today.
The figures are: 1957, 28,795,900 gallons; 1958, 28,208,700 gallons and 1959, 23,022,600 gallons.
In view of the reduction in the supply of milk in 1959 is there any hope of a reduction in the price of butter considering that there will not be the same amount to be paid by way of bounty or levy?
That is a separate question.
It would be, Sir, but the Deputy is always optimistic and so am I.