asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the current milk price structure will be improved during the 1971 milk season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Price.
30.
The milk price structure, which I would remind the Deputy was revised and improved in recent months, is among the matters being discussed in the pre-Budget review talks which I am at present having with the main farm organisations. I am not of course in a position to say what decisions the Government will come to in that connection in the context of the Budget.
Could the Minister give a more definite answer as to what the intention is in connection with milk prices? This is an evasive answer and I am disappointed that neither the Minister nor his Parliamentary Secretary is here to answer the question. This is not a reflection on the Minister for Industry and Commerce. The manner in which farmers are moving away from milk production because of uneconomic prices is very serious.
I am sorry that the Minister is not here to deal with this question. In fact, he is at present having discussions with the people about whom the Deputy is concerned.
Where is his Parliamentary Secretary?
I am calling Question No. 31.