asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that many people, who engaged in the production of guinea fowl in this country in anticipation of realising 8/6 a lb. for these fowl on the British market, now find that they will be unable to sell these birds except at the price of 2/- a lb.; also, that these producers had paid prices ranging from 20/- to 30/- a dozen for hatching eggs of guinea fowl; and if, in view of the fact that the producers now have their fowl ready for the market and are faced with serious losses, he will state what steps his Department proposes to take to protect their interests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Guinea Fowl.
The export of guinea fowl, which is of negligible proportions, is not subject to regulation by my Department. I understand that, for some period, favourable prices were obtained on the export market but that this condition does not prevail at the moment. The production of these fowl for export is a speculative business and I cannot, obviously, accept responsibility for any losses which may be incurred by persons who elect to engage in it.
Was the marketing of guinea fowl discussed at the conference in London with representatives of the British Government?
No. Guinea fowl are outside control or regulation of every kind.