This section refers to the interests of persons nominated to the board. Processors, producers and retailers are on the board and my question refers to the interests of producers in respect of imported milk. Liquid milk produced in this country is subject to periodic inspections. Does the same apply to milk produced outside this country and processed here?
Milk (Regulation of Supply) (Amendment) Bill, 1995: Committee and Final Stages.
Section 1 agreed to.
SECTION 2.
Question proposed: "That section 2 stand part of the Bill."
This Bill is about supplying milk for the consumer and it should not concern us whether the milk comes from Holstein cows or British Friesians. We are talking about adequate compensation and it is up to the producer to supply the milk as economically as possible. I have been a liquid milk producer and a beef producer. Liquid milk can be produced more economically from Holstein cows than from British Friesians. We can have a discussion about beef on another occasion. There is also a reference to supermarkets. I understand that the profit supermarkets make on a gallon of milk is nearly the same as the price the producer is paid for that gallon of milk.
With regard to the election query, I was delighted to hear the Minister's reply about Kerry. My information is that Kerry was not co-operating.
There is so much emphasis on the Dublin and Cork Milk Marketing Boards that one would imagine these are the only two areas which supplied liquid milk. Milk was supplied all over the country and this should be taken into consideration. Will liquid milk producers who have applied to be registered be informed before 1 April 1996 whether they will be registered? Registration will ensure they have votes in the elections to the National Milk Agency.
All milk is subject to EC Directive 92/46; therefore, all milk is subject to the same health and hygiene regulations. All those who want to be registered will be as soon as possible. There is no delay in registration provided applicants go through all the necessary procedures.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 3 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.