asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the shipper in Northern Ireland receives, from Audiper, for turkeys imported to Great Britain 3/5½d. a lb. plus an allowance of 5/- a box plus free freight; that for turkeys produced here Audiper pays to Eggsports, Limited, 3/1 a lb., plus an allowance of 2/- a box, out of which freight is deducted, and a further deduction of 3d. a lb. is made on payment to our shippers; if, in view of the statements on the London talks that we were receiving for our turkeys prices similar to those payable for British produced turkeys, he will state whether the above figures are correct; and if so, how he reconciles the figures with the London agreement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Prices.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the price per lb. paid by Audiper to Eggsports, Limited, for Irish turkeys exported to Britain.
With your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, I propose to answer questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
As provided in the agreement with the British authorities the retail price of exported Irish turkeys has been increased to that of British produced birds. The price paid by Messrs. Audiper to Messrs. Eggsports, Limited, is 3/5½d. per lb., less commission, i.e., approximately 3/2¼d. per lb. net.
I asked the Minister to say whether the figures set out in my question are correct or not. Will the Minister give us information on that? Is there any difference in the price allowed for boxes and is freight not paid here and paid in Northern Ireland and Great Britain?
I am not responsible for the figures which the Deputy has given. I am giving him the real figures.
I am putting it to the Minister that the figures which I gave are the figures in operation in part of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and that we are not getting comparable prices here; that we are getting 3½d. less in price and only 2/- allowance for boxes and that we have to pay the freight. In the other case, an allowance of 5/- is made for boxes and the freight is paid.
The price paid by Messrs. Audiper to Messrs. Eggsports, Limited, is 3/5½d. per lb., less commission, which leaves a net price of 3/2¼d. per lb. That is what we are receiving.
What are we allowed for boxes and is freight paid or not?
I have given the Deputy the net price we are receiving.
I am asking a categorical question. Will the Minister say what allowance is made by Messrs. Audiper for boxes and whether freight is paid on our birds or not?
What difference does it make if I have given you the net price we are receiving?
Surely the people are entitled to know.
Am I not telling them what they are getting?
The Minister is not able to give the information.
I am giving the information as to what we are getting for turkeys, which is 3/2¼d. per lb. net. Has the Deputy any complaint to make about that?
The Minister said that he was getting parity of price. It is obvious that he is not getting parity of price.
It is only obvious apparently to the Deputy.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that turkeys are purchased in the country markets at 2/4 a pound and are sold in Dublin at 3/6 a pound; and if he is satisfied that this margin of 1/2 a pound is fair and reasonable for both the producer and consumer.
I am aware that turkeys are purchased in country markets at 2/4 to 2/6 per lb. live weight. The wholesale and retail prices on the home market are outside the province of my Department.