asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is satisfied with the result of the quality milk bonus scheme; if he will give details of the quantity of milk which passed the test and the numbers of suppliers who have qualified for payment of bonus in 1966; and if he will give the percentage in both categories.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quality Milk Bonus Scheme.
8.
Yes; the returns so far available show that during the 12 months ended 31st October, 1966, the quantity of milk which qualified for the special allowance under the creamery milk quality grading scheme was 196 million gallons or 48.6 per cent of the total milk tested in that period. The number of suppliers who qualified varied from month to month but the average was 34,800 or 36.2 per cent of those participating.
I regard these results as encouraging. I will not of course be fully satisfied until all of the milk supplied to creameries under the scheme reaches premium grade. The special allowance is due to be increased from the present penny per gallon to two pence per gallon on 1st April next and this should provide a further incentive to every supplier to ensure that his milk qualifies.