asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he intends to implement his recently announced proposals for creamery milk prices despite the widespread opposition from farming organisations; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creamery Milk Prices.
31.
The adjustments in creamery milk support, including the retrospective increase on the first 1,000 gallons per month delivered by each supplier in the months of May to August, 1969, inclusive, which I announced on 3rd October last, took effect from 1st September, 1969. I do not accept the implication that the price adjustments applying to milk delivered from September onwards have not been accepted by creamery suppliers generally. Out of about 112,000 suppliers, some 90,000 have got a price increase on their entire production and only 2,500 suppliers who deliver more than 20,000 gallons per annum have incurred a phased reduction. These larger suppliers can, however, produce milk more cheaply than the smaller suppliers and they are, of course, still heavily subsidised by the Exchequer. Thus, a supplier delivering 60,000 gallons per annum continues to be subsidised to the extent of approximately £2,500 a year, or about £50 per week.