asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate fully the system for control of supplies of milk to the city and suburbs of Cork; whether he has satisfied himself that such a system of control is not operating to the economic detriment of the consumer by tending to restrict free competition from suppliers; and, if so, on what evidence he has so satisfied himself.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City Milk Supply.
19.
The arrangements in question are fully set out in the Milk (Regulation of Supply and Price) Act, 1936, and in the Annual Reports of the Cork District Milk Board.
The retail price of milk in Cork is not controlled and I understand that there is no evidence that the retail prices charged there are excessive.
Is the Minister now satisfied that the agreement entered into by his predecessor regarding the distribution and the price of milk in Cork is working satisfactorily and to the benefit of the people of Cork?
The only guide I have is the price at present paid for milk by the ordinary citizen of Cork. The price of milk in Cork is, in fact, more reasonable than it is in other cities and large centres.
Is that not what I am asking the Minister? As a result of the arrangements made by his predecessor, the price of milk in Cork is satisfactory for the citizens.
The removal of control was effected by my colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
The people of Cork are now getting cheap good milk which they never got before.
It was I made the arrangement.
Go fish.