asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what price farmers may expect to receive for home-produced butter of first quality after the removal of all subsidies on butter; and, further, if he will, in conjunction with the county committees of agriculture, take steps to improve the methods of producing and marketing this commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home-produced Butter.
Mr. Walsh
There is no restriction on the marketing and price of farmers' butter and producers should be able to obtain the highest price which the consumer is prepared to pay. I cannot forecast what price the consumer may be prepared to pay for first quality farmers' butter when creamery butter rationing ends and the price of creamery butter is increased.
As regards the second part of the question, county committees of agriculture already provide facilities for courses of instruction in farm butter-making in areas where such courses are most needed and where a minimum of six pupils are prepared to attend. The courses are open to girls of 15 years of age and over and each class covers a period of at least five days. Also, a much more intensive course of training in butter-making forms part of the training afforded to pupils attending schools of rural domestic economy.
Is the Minister aware that the conditions under which farmers' butter is handled in its collection by the butter wholesalers and their agents through the country, are not conducive to an improvement in the quality of farmers' butter? Is he further aware that farmers' butter is frequently lying in the stores for as much as two weeks?
Mr. Walsh
I am aware of fresh butter lying in the stores before distribution.
Is not that a sheer waste of good butter?
Mr. Walsh
Yes.