asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the dissatisfaction expressed by farmers in relation to the price of milk delivered to creameries; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creamery Milk Prices.
49.
I am not aware of general dissatisfaction in this regard, though no doubt suppliers would always like a better price. In fact, additional price support for milk has already been provided by the Government in the present financial year at an extra cost of some £1.6 million per annum. Total State support for milk now costs £31½ million per annum and the provision of this very large sum demonstrates clearly the Government's recognition of the importance of the dairying industry and their concern for its welfare.
Would the Minister accept that in some areas milk suppliers are accepting a lower price for milk this year than they did two years ago?
I am aware that co-operative societies who have other liabilities to meet regulate their financial affairs in such a way as to meet their liabilities. However, the average cost has risen steadily and I do not think it can be contended either by Deputy Creed or any other Deputy that the figure of £31½ million I have mentioned is niggardly. It is very satisfactory and it is so recognised.
The Minister has made much play out of this figure of £31½ million. Would he not agree that less than 50 per cent of this is reaching the pockets of the farmers?
That is a separate question. Question No.49 relates to the price of milk delivered to creameries.
It relates to the Minister's reply.
Further to the Minister's reply, would he state whether the milk producers have got a twelfth round increase yet?
The average price last year for milk was 25.5d per gallon and this provides for the free return of skim which is valued at 3.3d per gallon. As I said in my reply, we should all like to see a higher price paid.
Is the present Minister in favour of the policies of the former Minister as regards milk prices?
That is a separate question. We cannot discuss Question No. 49 all the afternoon.
It is not a separate question.
The Deputy can rest assured that the Minister is not in favour of Fine Gael policy—1s per gallon.
How long ago was that? How much has money devalued since then?
I am calling Question No. 50.