asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has seen reports stating that Irish butter has increased in price on the British market; and if this will have the effect of reducing the price to the Irish consumer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Butter Price.
15.
I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy. The price of butter on the home market is not affected by movements in the price of Irish butter on export markets.
Can the Minister explain to the House how it is that the Irish consumer has to pay 5s 4d for Irish butter and the British consumer can buy it at 3s a pound?
There is no relationship between the price we get for butter on the export market and the price on the home market. It is generally true that the rapidly improving quality of Irish export butter is commanding a better price. This naturally reduces the losses which are incurred in the sale of butter abroad. The manufacturers of Irish butter in recent years, as the Deputy is probably aware, have improved the quality of the Irish butter for export beyond all recognition. This process is continuing.
That should have the effect of reducing the price to the Irish consumer.
I do not think so. The questions of export butter and butter for the home market are totally unrelated. One has no bearing on the other.
Can the Minister say why the price of Irish butter in Britain was increased?
It commands a premium over butter from countries like New Zealand and Australia.