asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the existing dissatisfaction in the dairying industry, he will take steps to make available statistics similar to those furnished by the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, and published in the Journal of Agriculture of the British Ministry; in particular, statistics as to (a) the production cost per gallon of milk, and (b) the prime costs per cow (including wages, depreciation and replacement costs).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dairying Industry.
The statistics to which the Deputy refers have reference to the costs of production all the year round of Grade A milk, the bulk of which is bottled. The figures ascertained are not related to the cost of producing milk on farms supplying creameries and would be of no assistance in connection with existing questions relating to the creamery industry.
Is the Minister not prepared to give us some statistics? Will he even say what is the relation between the production of good milk and Grade A milk?
The Deputy would not accept it, even if I did give it.
We would accept some figures if we got them.