asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he proposes to take to encourage farmers to increase milk production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Production.
40.
Milk producers can expect a substantial increase in their returns for milk in 1975 as compared with this year. I have taken steps to bring this to their notice in conjunction with a campaign of publicity currently being conducted by An Bord Bainne on behalf of the dairy industry with the aim of encouraging an increase in milk production in the coming year.
Would the Minister agree that there was a reduction in the intake of milk to the creameries this year? I asked him what steps he would take to have that supply increased, taking into account that this reduced supply over the year would tend to reduce the price of milk.
I have given the Deputy the reply. What does he think I should add to it?
I asked him what steps he was taking.
I told the Deputy the steps I was taking.
I do not accept that those steps are sufficient.
The Deputy will accept that this year the average price for milk was 23½p. On top of that we got 4½p in October. I know that the milk supply for the year was practically ended then and it left only 10 per cent to get this increase. However, that brought the average for the year up to 24p. The average for next year will be increased by that amount, which will be more than 28p, and in the new pricing arrangements that are coming up we can expect a further increase of some sort. That will bring the price of milk next year to something in excess of 30p per gallon. That is a good price and should be sufficiently attractive to induce people to go into milk production.
Would the Minister not concede that there was a reduction in inseminations this year and that this would indicate that next year there will be a considerable drop in the milk supply, irrespective of the increase in price? Is that not logical?
Of course. What I am saying is that all the inducements are there for people to increase milk production.
But suppose those inducements are not sufficient, as they seemingly are not at present?
The Deputy cannot be serious when he says the price is not sufficient. I know some of the profits being made in the dairying industry.
Is the Minister satisfied, from the records at his disposal, that there will be the same number, if not more, of milch cows in the country next year? Already, regardless of numbers, these cattle are in calf. Will there be more milch cows next year and in-calf heifers coming in to offset this loss?
I cannot answer that question off the cuff. If the Deputy puts down a question I will get the information for him.
It is the Minister's business to have the information. Has he not got it there?
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.