asked the Minister for agriculture when he proposes to increase the price paid by wholesalers for liquid milk, in view of the steady increase of all feeding stuffs to be purchased by dairy farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Price of Milk.
23.
Minimum producers' prices for liquid milk have been prescribed only for the Dublin and Cork sale districts. I have nothing to add to my reply to a similar Question by Deputy Donegan on 21st February.
24.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that his recent statement regarding the price delivered to creameries has caused widespread discontent among dairy farmers; and, if so, whether in view of the urgent need to expand and diversify the creamery industry he will now agree to provide the necessary incentive by way of an increase in the price of creamery milk.
I have nothing to add to my reply to the Deputy's Question of 6th February, 1963.
In view of the fact that dairy farmers have received an increase of only a penny per gallon in the price of milk in the last 10 years while at the same time the cost of production has increased by about 30 per cent., how does the Minister think that dairy farmers will continue to produce in those circumstances?
All these aspects of the dairying business have been discussed with me by interested parties and all these factors have been taken into consideration.
Could the Minister hold out any hope whatsoever of an increase in the price of milk?
No.
Is the Minister aware that dairy farmers have reached the limit of endurance in this matter and are determined to fight for justice? Does the Minister realise the implications of any drastic action which dairy farmers might be forced to take and would he not be reasonable and concede what is generally agreed to be a just claim?
I am very fully aware of every aspect of this situation.