asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when it is intended to make a statement concerning the price of liquid milk.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk.
11.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he will make an announcement concerning the price of liquid milk.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 11 and 12 together.
As arranged earlier this year, my Department have been having discussions with the Dublin and Cork District Milk Boards on the associated question of how the cost of disposal of the liquid milk surplus is to be handled in this context. I expect to be able to make an announcement shortly.
When did the liquid milk producers last receive an increase in price? Would the Minister agree that it is a relatively long time ago? Would he not further agree that, in view of increasing living and production costs, an increase is now overdue for this hard-pressed section of the community?
I do not think it arises from this question.
13.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange with creameries where possible for the supply of new milk in bulk at a reasonable price as the price of nine-pence per pint is far too high for working class families who use considerable quantities.
I have no function in regard to the introduction of a welfare scheme for liquid milk on the lines suggested.