asked the Minister for Agriculture why Ireland was not in a position to export larger quantities of cheese to the UK market in 1978.
Written Answers. - Cheese Exports.
144.
The decline in cheese exports to the UK this year is attributable to the very difficult market situation in that country in the earlier part of the year. This situation, which was due largely to a continuing high level of stocks in the UK and to disposals there at depressed prices, discouraged Irish manufacturers from producing greater quantities of cheese.
Market conditions have improved in recent months and this, coupled with a recognition of the need to divert milk from the intervention products, should induce Irish manufacturers to increase cheese production substantially in the coming season.