asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give details of existing stocks of dairy produce; and if he proposes to introduce any measures to encourage more home consumption of Irish dairy products.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Consumption of Dairy Products.
10.
Stocks of creamery butter on 31st January, 1969, the latest date for which particulars are available, were 17,230 tons. My Department does not compile statistics on stocks of other dairy products.
As regards the second part of the question, I indicated in reply to a question on 12th February that my Department is actively exploring possible new outlets for milk products on the home market. In addition as indicated by me in reply to another question on 26th February, the National Dairy Council is carrying on an intensive press, radio and television campaign to encourage increased consumption of dairy products on the home market.
May I ask the Minister if Bord Bainne have adequate supplies of milk powder to meet our market export commitment? Is it a fact that Bord Bainne have a market for 6,000 tons of milk powder which they are unable to supply? Is it a fact that Bord Bainne have been contemplating importing milk powder to supply this 6,000 tons?
If the Deputy wants answers to all those questions, none of which really arises on this particular question, I will try to ascertain the information for him.
It is a fact that Bord Bainne could have sold more milk powder than was made available to them in 1968.
Made available by whom?
By the producers.
What does that mean?
They had a market for 6,000 tons extra.
What sort of powder?
Milk powder.
Whole milk powder?
One or the other.
It surely could not be skim milk powder?
I am asking the Minister.
The Deputy seems to be telling the Minister. If he wishes to ask these questions he should do so and I will be very glad to get the information for him.