andMr. T. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will announce an increase in the price of creamery milk and milk sold for liquid consumption.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk.
35.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has yet reached a decision relative to an increase in the price of milk delivered to creameries; if so, if such increase is sufficient to meet increased production costings and increased level of rates, and comparable to increases in income awarded to other sections of the community; and, if a decision has not been made, if he will indicate when the announcement will be made.
37.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if in view of the greatly increased cost of production he has yet decided to increase the price of milk delivered to creameries; and, if so, if he will state the extent of the increase.
38.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is now prepared to sanction an increase of at least twelve per cent to producers of liquid milk supplied in the Dublin milk sales area by Dublin and district milk producers owing to increased production costs, wages, rates on land, etc.; and if he can indicate the maximum prices (a) winter and (b) summer authorised, the quantity provided at such prices and the quantity for which surplus price only has been paid in each of the past two years.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 35, 36, 37 and 38 together.
I replied as follows to similiar questions on 30th January and 18th February:
30th January:“It is an annual exercise for the Government to consider the price payable to milk producers between now and Budget time. When this has been done an announcement will be made.”
18th February:“I have nothing to add to my reply of 30th January to questions on this subject by Deputies Donegan and Finucane.”
As regards the second part of Question No. 38, the producer prices prescribed for milk sold in the Dublin Sale District are minimum and not maximum prices. Information as to the minimum prices and quantities sold in the past two years is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
|
Year |
Minimum price per gallon for milk delivered to purchaser's registered premises |
Quantity sold at minimum Winter Price |
Quantity sold at minimum Summer Price |
Quantity sold at Surplus Price |
|||||
|
January to April |
May to August |
September to Dec. |
|||||||
|
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
gallons |
gallons |
gallons |
|
|
1962 |
2 |
9 |
1 |
11 |
2 |
9 |
17,411,000 |
9,681,000 |
2,408,000 |
|
1963 |
2 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
10 |
18,071,000 |
9,803,000 |
2,490,000 |
Does the Minister not agree that it is a fact that certain action by the farmers of Kilkenny was averted by the Government because it was suggested at that time that there would be an increase in the price of milk?
That is quite untrue.
The Taoiseach may say so but the evidence is that it is not untrue.
The Deputy may take my word for it.
(Interruptions.)
Does the Minister not agree that the Government should live up to their responsibility in the matter?
We have always done that.
Does he not agree that the liquid milk price in Dublin District Milk Sales Area while quoted as the minimum price is always the maximum?
I am very appreciative of the Deputy's anxiety about all these matters but I am responsible and the decision will be given when appropriate and when the decision is made it will be announced.
Can the Minister say when it will be appropriate to make the decision?
I shall decide that also.
The Minister in his reply said that it was the Government's intention to make a decision on this matter between the date mentioned and the date on which the Budget would be introduced. Could the Minister say if the Government have determined on what day the Budget is to be introduced?
That will be announced.
I have mentioned the Budget and I think there is an announcement in the paper today as to when the Budget will be introduced.
Is the date in the paper the date of the Budget?
Not necessarily.
Between you it is. I wish you would make up your minds.
(Interruptions.)
Does the Minister not agree with the Taoiseach that there was an implied bargain——
There was no bargain of any kind.
There never was a bargain on any matter that I am concerned with.
All power corrupts.
Did the Minister not assure the farmers that there would be an immediate adjustment in the price of milk?
If they were given any assurance, I had nothing to do with it except to tell them that the law would be enforced.
(Interruptions.)
There was an assurance given——
Is the Taoiseach now telling them to go to blazes?
I am telling them that if they make such statements about bargains, they are not speaking the truth.
Is the Taoiseach now anxious to reject the farmers?
That has nothing to do with it.
Can the Minister say why the farmers are the only section of the people who must wait for the Budget?
I do not agree that they are.
Question No. 39.