asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what increase in the price of Eire turkeys for export resulted from the recent adjustment made by the British Minister of Food; to what extent the producer here will benefit; and if he will also state (a) the price paid by the British consumer; (b) the price paid by the British retailer; (c) the price paid by Awdipar; (d) the price paid by Eggsports, Limited; (e) the price paid by the Irish shipper; and (f) the price paid to the producer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British and Turkey Prices.
Since my statement of the 14th instant relating to the price of turkeys, I am informed that the British Minister of Food has decided to make an Order prescribing a price for Irish turkeys intermediate between the prices for British home-produced and for other imported turkeys. As also mentioned in my statement, the price to producers for all classes of poultry had been increased as from 2nd September last by 3d. per lb. This increase in the case of turkeys will be maintained over the season as announced by my Department in a recent Press advertisement.
While an appropriate Price Order does not yet appear to have been made, I understand that for Irish turkeys the maximum price to consumers will be fixed at 3/6 per lb. for plucked birds and 4/9 per lb. for drawn and trussed birds and the maximum price to retailers at 3/1 per lb. for plucked birds. On the foregoing basis, the price receivable by Messrs. Eggsports Ltd., should be 3/1 per lb. less commission. Messrs. Eggsports Ltd., have been instructed to pay shippers 2/7 per lb. dead weight for turkeys delivered to Great Britain, which should enable the producer to be paid approximately 2/1 per lb. live weight.