asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is grave disappointment with his lack of encouragement of the dairying industry; and, if so, whether he will state how he intends to extend and develop the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Dairy Industry.
I propose, with your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
I am aware that since the present prices were fixed in 1947, there have been increases in various directions in the cost of milk production. Nevertheless, I have reason to believe that the majority of milk suppliers to creameries are not dissatisfied with these prices, and are not unmindful of the fact that calves which were selling for from 10/-to 20/- in 1947 are now worth from 50/-to £10 apiece, which, on the average milk yield of 400 gallons, amounts to an increase of from 1¼d. to 5d. per gallon on the price of milk, and I do not at present propose to advise the Government to increase the prices of milk.
In my view, the main obstacle to the increasing prosperity in the dairying industry is the relatively low milk yield of dairy cows; if the average milk yield could be substantially increased, the return to the producer from existing prices would be more than ample. With this object in view, I have initiated schemes for the improvement of pastures, and I also propose to provide a number of artificial insemination stations at which high-class proven dairy bulls will be available for the service of cows at a fee not greater than that at present charged by premium bull owners. At the same time, it is intended to introduce a revised system of milk recording which will relieve farmers of all work in connection with weighing and recording, and also permit of the payment of a reasonable rate of remuneration to the supervisors. To enable these measures to be successful, however, I must be assured of the whole-hearted co-operation of the creamery industry.
Is the Minister aware that, despite the improvement in food conditions throughout the world in the last 12 months, he still has the people of this country on six ounces of butter per week, even though the dairying industry is one of the principal industries in the country? Can the Minister not give some indication as to what he is going to do to increase production in the dairying industry?
I shall very gladly do so. The Deputy will be glad to hear that the production of butter is steadily rising. The production of butter in the month of January was substantially higher than butter production in any January since 1937. The Deputy will also be glad to hear that larger quantities of milk are reaching the creameries as well as the Dublin milk consuming area than have reached it since 1939. The Deputy will be consoled to hear the following figures from one dairy group at present operating in a typical dairying district in this country. In 1939 the earning per cow was £11 16s. 9d. In 1948 the earning per cow was £28 10s. 0d. If that does not reassure the Deputy that the dairying industry is on the upgrade, I shall be glad to furnish him with further figures and particulars.
I was not such a bad fellow after all.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
Question No. 34.