asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the Government policy of encouraging the production of farmers' butter by the provision of a subsidy, he will now take some steps to ensure that the butter produced can be marketed, and whether he is aware that large quantities of farmers' butter in County Kerry, County Wexford and the Midlands is now unsaleable, and that producers have been caused great loss.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Farmers' Butter.
Mr. Walsh
Payment of subsidy on farmers' butter purchased by factories was introduced in order that producers would not be placed at a disadvantage in marketing such butter by reason of the low subsidised price at which creamery butter was then sold.
The vast bulk of farmers' butter produced is either consumed on the farm or sold locally and, following the withdrawal of the subsidy on creamery butter and the consequential increase in the retail price of creamery butter to 3/10 per lb., I believe that first quality farmers' butter, the price of which is not controlled, will find a ready sale at a favourable price. As regards the relatively small surplus which reaches the butter factories, the Irish Dairy Butter Trade Ltd., Cork, is at present considering an offer from the British Ministry of Food for the purchase of a trial consignment.
I may say for the information of the Deputy that in one of the largest farm butter areas my Department recently offered to supply a travelling creamery on most favourable terms but the offer was rejected. A similar offer was made last year and also received no response.
Is the Minister aware that the price of farmer's butter has reduced by about 7d. a lb. during the last couple of weeks and has he in mind taking any steps to see that farmers who are mainly confined to isolated areas and who make their own butter will get a reasonable price for their produce?
Mr. Walsh
I have already told the Deputy that I have made a survey of the country and in almost every case we have made provision for the continuance of milk to creameries. There is no market, as I pointed out to the Deputy, for farmers' butter at the present time at a price acceptable by farmers.
I would like to know what gratuity is allowed to farmers who have to sell at a reduced price—7d. a lb.—at the present time.
Mr. Walsh
As I have already said in reply to the question put down by Deputy Dillon, I believe that as a result of the increase in the price of creamery butter, first quality farmers' butter will find a ready sale at as good a price as last year.