asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that during the last 12 months farmers in both creamery districts and in the Dublin production area have, owing to the uneconomic price of milk, found it more profitable to sell their milch cows for export, and if he will give the comparative figures as to the number of milch cows exported in the calendar years 1939 and 1940, and if, in view of the new scale of prices payable for milk in Great Britain for the coming 12 months including a winter price of 2/4.2d. per gallon, he will state what measures he proposes to take to ensure a sufficient supply of butter and milk for next winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Milk.
I am not aware that farmers found it more profitable to sell their milch cows for export during the last 12 months. Official figures of exports are not now published. There is no indication that any shortage of milk is likely to occur during next winter. As regards butter, the necessary steps will be taken during the period of high production next summer to store a sufficient quantity for requirements during the winter.
I should like to ask the Minister if he has taken into account that the stoppage of the export of milch cows from this country in recent weeks, due to foot-and-mouth disease, has resulted in a shortage of milk in England, and that when our normal export is resumed the price for those exported is almost certain to be so attractive that it will induce many people to sell cows that would normally remain here?
I do not know that it will be very attractive at this particular time of the year.
It is obvious that that will happen.