asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether steps are being taken to stabilise milk powder prices by introducing a guaranteed minimum floor price; and, if not, why.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Powder Prices.
46.
A scheme aimed at stablising the price of skim milk powder produced for export has been prepared by An Bord Bainne and the milk powder manufacturers and is at present being examined.
Arising out of the last three questions, is it not so that skim milk powder is a very fruitful source of protein and is it not true that a great part of the problem of malnutrition in Africa, both the peaceful and the war-torn parts, is the question of supplying protein? Is it not the intention either of the United Nations or various bodies concerned with the relief of the kind of problem to which I have referred to concentrate on the supply of milk powder and can we do anything to persuade them to do so?
We have been endeavouring to do that to the greatest possible extent.
Are they letting the people die because they will not pay the price of milk powder?
I cannot, I am afraid, answer that one.
Perhaps the Minister would stir the Minister for External Affairs and brief him on it?
We have jointly been stirring up that particular aspect for some considerable time.
It seems to be a matter about which they are not very energetic.