asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how the Exchequer subsidy of £176 per ton of butter estimated as payable under the new dairy price system compares with the system it is to replace.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Subsidy Scheme.
56.
Under the former creamery milk price support arrangements, creamery butter supplied to the home market was subsidised by the Exchequer to an extent representing about 11p per pound through the price allowances paid on the creamery whole milk from which the butter was produced. The Exchequer subsidy of £176 per ton now payable instead on butter supplied to the home market represents about 8p per pound but there is, of course, now also Exchequer support for skim milk.
57.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that Bord Bainne inspectors have informed wholesalers in Limerick that they are obliged to pay the recent butter levy on existing stocks; that these wholesalers were prepared to sell these stocks at the old price; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Consequential on the increases announced in creamery butter prices to take effect on and from 1st December, it was necessary for Bord Bainne to make an order requiring that a corresponding levy be paid by all wholesalers on the stocks of butter held by them at the opening of business on 1st December so as to ensure maintenance of their appropriate price margins in relation to the new resale prices.