asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the number of turkeys exported from Éire to Great Britain during the past (Christmas) season; (b) the weight of the birds exported; and (c) the amount of money realised from the levy on the exported turkeys.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Turkeys.
The quantity of turkeys exported during the Christmas season was approximately 88,000 cwt. It is not possible to state the number. The amount realised by deduction from the price of turkeys was approximately £100,000.
Can the Minister say under what statute of this House that levy has been imposed upon turkey producers? As that levy constitutes a form of taxation, we are entitled to know under what particular Act it has been levied.
It is not taxation at all. Any exporting company under the present law can pay whatever it thinks is right or what the seller will take for his goods and get the best price possible on the other side.
Would the Minister be able to name any number of farmers, even in Wexford, who think that 1/10 per lb. will give them a profit on turkeys?
I would not be able to name any farmer's wife who was dissatisfied with the price.
Is the Minister aware that this levy reduces the price to such an extent that it will have a deterrent effect on the production of turkeys in the coming year? Is that not wholly undesirable in view of the fact that we ought to do everything possible to increase the quantity of turkeys available for export with a view to maintaining our export trade?
Can the Minister justify imposing a levy on one commodity in order to enable us to export another commodity at a certain price?
Yes; if not I would not do it. If the Deputy would study the quantity of food that is necessary to produce 1lb. of turkey flesh or 1 lb. in eggs, he will see that it is better for this country to produce eggs than turkey flesh.
That is no justification. The Minister realises that one individual might be producing turkeys and not producing eggs at all. On the assumption that a man was engaged in the production of eggs and turkeys it might be fair to take it off one and give it to another; but there may be people engaged in the production of turkeys only and is it fair to deduct money from them on turkeys in respect of a product from which they derive no benefit?
They can change over, you know.