asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he proposes to decontrol the price of milk; if he will give details of the effects such an initiative would have on the production supply and distribution of fresh milk to the consumer; if he will also outline the benefits or otherwise to the producer in the event of decontrolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Milk Price Decontrol.
89.
I have been consulting with the dairy industry about the desirability of decontrolling the retail price of milk and have agreed that I will not make any decision in this matter until I know the outcome of the negotiations that are taking place at present with the EC Commission on a national milk board to replace the existing Dublin and Cork boards. I consider that decontrol is best addressed in the context of the overhaul of the liquid milk arrangements generally which will follow these negotiations.