asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when there was last an increase in the scale of prices paid to liquid milk producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Milk.
25.
1st May, 1967, in the Dublin and Cork Milk Board areas, where there is statutory control. The control does not apply elsewhere.
Will the Minister not agree that an increase in overdue in view of the fact that there have been increased costs for feeding, wages and transport, since the last increase was given? There has been an increase in the prices to creamery suppliers but the costs of liquid suppliers are higher because they have to maintain supplies in the winter.
It was recognition of this factor that prompted me some months ago to announce a scheme for an increase in the price of liquid milk. The proposals as a whole could not come into operation conveniently at that time because it might have adverse and unjust effects on some producers. The whole deal was postponed at that stage and it was subsequently taken up and discussed with the milk producers. Arising out of that, I think agreement is likely to be reached very soon—an agreed scheme in which there will be incorporated——
Does this apply to the liquid milk producers?
Yes.
Would it be possible to say when this projected increase will be implemented?
As soon as we can get the other part of the overall package tied up, namely, the ceasing of the Government's and the taxpayers' support of the liquid milk trade. That is implicit in the deal. We have been endeavouring to arrive at it by agreement between the Department and the liquid milk producers.
Will the Minister have a referendum on it?
Can the Minister give an approximate date?
In a week, if one were an optimist.
Will the Minister not agree that the pasteurised milk people have been given permission for a greater increase——
That is a separate question.
I do not deal with the retail price of milk. I deal only with the amount that must be paid as a minimum to the producers. I do not come into the other end of it.