asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the percentage of the increase granted in recent EEC farm prices which will go back to (a) milk producers and (b) meat producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Farm Prices.
23.
In the case of milk it is a matter for the creameries and processing plants to settle with their suppliers the amount of the recent increases in the support prices for butter and skim milk powder which should be passed on in the prices payable to the suppliers. In the case of beef, the percentage of the increase in the support price which is reflected in the producer price for cattle will depend on such factors as the overall market situation, the competitive efficiency of the factory concerned and the proportions disposed of commercially and to intervention. In the case of pigmeat the recent Community increase will not affect the producer prices as these are well above the support level.
Does the Department keep under review the present system operated by creameries and meat plants to ensure that the maximum benefits are given to producers?
Naturally, we keep a watchful eye on all such matters, but most of the creameries are co-operatives and we assume the committees of management, elected by the suppliers, ensure that the suppliers get what is fair and reasonable so far as prices are concerned. We are reasonably satisfied that everything is in order. Deputy Leonard would surely not expect the Department's inspectors to be prying into the day-to-day affairs of the creameries. If we get reports that prices are not being paid as we think they should be, we investigate but, by and large, we are quite satisfied with the efficiency of our creamery system.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is deep concern among the farming organisations that the maximum benefits are not coming back to the people? The Department should try to alleviate those fears.
The Deputy's assertion is groundless. First, the creameries are managed by committees composed of suppliers to the individual creameries. Second, we have two very active organisations catering for farmers generally. I have no doubt that any creamery could not possibly withhold from suppliers money lawfully due to them. Our creamery system is managed very well. The people on the management committees are honest. I would not accept that there are underhand dealings, as Deputy Leonard seems to imply, and that the creameries are withholding moneys lawfully due to suppliers. In my view, there is no justification for that assertion.
Arising from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply——
Order. It is past the time for questions.
May I ask one final question? I did not assert. I asked if the Parliamentary Secretary was aware of the concern among the farmers that the maximum benefits due to them have not been coming back to them.
It is for the management committee of each creamery to ensure that the maximum benefits come back to the farmers. Our role is to keep a watchful eye on the matter, and no more than that. I am satisfied, and so is the Minister, that all the creameries are efficiently managed and there is no cause for complaint.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
I should like to raise the subject matter of Questions Nos. 2 and 3 on the Adjournment.