asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the increased costs of milk production, the increased manufacturing costs, the bad weather experienced and the world price of milk products, he will recommend an increased price for milk in the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Price Increase.
There is nothing I can usefully add to the reply which I gave to the question asked by Deputy Patrick Smith on Wednesday last, 14th instant.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether, in view of the greatly increased production costs of milk for the Dublin supply area, it is the intention of the Government to increase the price to the producers in regard to milk supplied during the month of April and also during the following season.
It is a statutory function of the Dublin District Milk Board to make recommendations to me at such times as it may consider necessary as to the minimum prices which, in the opinion of the board, I should prescribe for milk sold by producers for sale for liquid consumption in the Dublin area. I have not received any recommendation from the board as to alteration in the milk prices for the coming season.
Is the Minister aware that there is grave dissatisfaction amongst producers, particularly in view of the fact that the prices paid to producers are reduced by 9d. per gallon during the month of April, which is the most expensive month to produce milk, and while that reduction is imposed upon the producer, there is no similar reduction in the prices to the consumer?
Perhaps the Deputy would take this matter up with the Dublin Milk Board.