asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) if it has been the practice to pay different rates of subsidy on milk powder manufactured for export by different enterprises manufacturing similar or substantially similar milk powder products in different areas; and (b) if in connection with any new project which might be established he will arrange that a uniform rate of subsidy will be available for all areas and that no differential in subsidy will be payable to the advantage of any one area to the exclusion and disadvantage of any other area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidy on Milk Powder.
38.
In regard to (a) it was not the practice in the period up to the 17th May, 1961, when dairy produce export subsidies were paid by my Department, to pay different rates of subsidy in respect of milk powder manufactured in different areas. I have been informed by An Bord Bainne that the position has been the same in the period since that date.
As regards (b) the payment of export subsidies on dairy produce is now a matter entirely for An Bord Bainne and while I do not think it likely that the Board will vary its present practice in this matter I do not propose to make an approach about it to the Board.