asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what steps he has taken with the British authorities to maintain the price of Irish turkeys for the coming market at least at the same level as that which was in operation for the past two years; and whether he proposes to make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Irish Turkeys.
No change has taken place in the price received for turkeys on the export market and, consequently, no occasion arises for representations to maintain the price. With the object of encouraging a substantial increase in egg production, higher prices have been and are still being paid to producers for eggs than market values warrant. I have authorised for the present certain deductions from the export values of poultry, including turkeys, in order to accumulate funds to meet the loss being incurred in respect of eggs. The position is being kept under review and the deductions referred to will be modified or withdrawn if the situation permits.