asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what price will be payable for creamery milk in the coming season in view of the price now fixed for creamery butter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Prices.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the average price paid for milk for manufacture into butter in 1952 by (i) dairy disposal creameries and (ii) other creameries, and (b) the average price creameries are expected to pay for milk during the present season used in butter-making.
Mr. Walsh
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
In accordance with the provisions of the Dairy Produce Act, 1924, creameries must pay for milk supplies strictly on the basis of the butter-fat content of the milk and do not, therefore, pay differential prices for the portions of their total milk intake which are used for the manufacture of butter or other dairy produce. The statistics regarding creamery milk prices which are collected by my Department accordingly relate only to the average price paid each year by creameries for their total milk intake. The figures for the year 1952 will not be available for collection by my Department for some months' time, when creameries will have had their accounts for 1952 audited.
The recent increase in the retail price of butter from 3/10 to 4/2 per lb. will, of course, enable creameries to pay higher prices for milk than heretofore. It is a matter for each creamery to determine what average price it can pay for milk, having regard to the various uses to which the milk supply generally is put, including butter-making, cream, liquid milk, chocolate crumb, etc., and on returns from other trading activities.
Surely the Minister will agree that it is, to say the least, disingenuous to ignore the fact, as it is generally understood, that the present price of creamery milk is 1/4 per gallon in the summer and 1/6 in the winter. What is the relative price to be paid under the new butter price, or has the Minister any intentions in that regard? Deputy Cogan has told us that he settled the milk strike on the basis of an equitable price.
Not 1/- a gallon.
Can the Minister not tell us what the related price on existing prices will be?
Mr. Walsh
If the Deputy knew anything about creameries he would not ask that question because he should know that the price for milk varies from creamery to creamery—not merely from county to county, but from creamery to creamery.
It is time to stop this cod-acting.
Hear, hear!
The present price of milk is fixed at 1/4 and 1/6.
It is not.
The price of butter was recently increased, and the understanding was, according to the statement from the Government, that it would result in some increase in the price of creamery milk. Deputy Cogan was shaking himself with pride all over the country telling the people of his triumphant settlement of the milk strike. What is the price that Deputy Cogan settled for on behalf of the milk suppliers in respect of the coming milk season? The Minister for Agriculture says he does not know.
It is more than your 1/-a gallon.
Mr. Walsh
It is a matter for calculation.
Will not the Minister tell us, or does the Minister know? Does the Minister know the price payable for creamery milk in relation to theprice of 1/4 and 1/6 which is at present being paid?
Mr. Walsh
Yes.
Will the Minister, then, answer the question?
Mr. Walsh
Yes, in any one particular creamery.
Does the Minister know, relation to the general average price of 1/4 and 1/6 which is at present being paid, what the increase will be in respect of the coming milk season?
(Interruptions.)
Now will Pretty Fanny keep quiet?
That expression is quite unparliamentary.
To whom did I address it in the House?
The expresion must be withdrawn.
It had reference to the Minister for Finance and if the Chair holds that it is out of order I will withdraw it.
The funny part of it is that the Deputy himself resents the expression "The Molly Maguires".
I have asked the Minister if he knows, in relation to the general average price of 1/4 and 1/6 which is at present being paid, what the increase will be in respect of the coming milk season. Surely I am entitled to get an answer with tolerable civility to a simple question. I think that, as an ex-Minister for Agriculture, I have the right to ask that question. I am putting that question now to my successor in office.
Mr. Walsh
This is an example of the Deputy's confused thinking. The price of milk is not 1/4 and 1/6, nor has it been that at any time. The price of 1/4 and 1/6 was to enable the average creamery to pay an average price of 1/4 and 1/6.
Under the new dispensation can the Minister tell us what concatenationof circumstances will permit the creameries to pay an average price in the coming season?
Mr. Walsh
No. It depends on the efficiency of the creamery.
Will the Minister try and find out?
Question No. 67.
In view of the Minister's statement are we to take it that it is now up to individual creameries to pay the best price possible and that the Minister has completely relinquished all authority in this matter? Will he now indicate to the House that he will not direct any creamery as to the particular channel into which its milk should go so that it may dispose of its milk on the best market possible?
Mr. Walsh
I have not directed them at any time as to what they should do with their milk.
You have.
I desire to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.