asked the Minister for Agriculture if he was requested by the Dublin District Milk Board to sanction an increase in the price paid to producers for liquid milk in the Dublin milk sales district; what his decision was; and on what basis did he reach it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Milk Price.
14.
I was recently requested by a deputation from the Dublin District Milk Board to sanction an increase in the minimum price paid to producers of liquid milk for the Dublin milk sales district. I informed the deputation that I was unable to accede to this request on the grounds that any increase in the present price could be considered only in conjunction with a corresponding increase in the price of creamery milk.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware there are at present major problems associated with the export markets for dairy products and any increase in the price of creamery milk would only aggravate these problems.
Is the Minister not aware that this particular sale of milk has no relation to creamery areas, that it is in fact liquid sales for Dublin? Other sections of the community have had their rises but this section, those supplying Dublin with liquid milk, have had none; yet they have a market and nothing stands between them and their just increase but the Minister.
The Minister has stated the point of view that there is a natural relationship between creamery prices and liquid milk prices.
As I am dissatisfied with the Minister's reply, I propose, with your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Does the Minister consider that milk producers in Dublin, Kildare and Meath should not at least be in the same position as other producers? At the moment, a milk producer gets 1/8d. in the Dublin district, so that, if the relationship is there, it is a wrong thing.
That seems to be a separate question.