asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is general dissatisfaction amongst poultry-keepers owing to the substantial reduction in the price of eggs and poultry; and, if so, whether he can guarantee that there will be no further reductions until present producers have recovered their capital expenses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Eggs and Poultry.
I am not aware that there is general dissatisfaction amongst poultry-keepers at the prices for hen eggs and cockerels announced last month. There is no change in the prices for adult fowl, turkeys, ducks and geese. Poultry-keepers have been informed that a price of 2/6 a dozen is assured for all the hen eggs they can market up to the 31st January, 1951. Early next year I hope to be able to announce egg prices for the year ending 31st January, 1952, so that poultry-keepers will continue to know, two years ahead, the prices they will get.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that 12 months ago the Minister guaranteed 3/- per dozen for eggs and gave a definite undertaking that if supplies increased the price would proportionately increase?
I am not aware of the fact.
It is a fact.
If the Deputy addresses that question next week to the Minister for Agriculture he will answer it.