asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that fowl buyers are paying as low as 2/6 per lb. for turkeys; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that producers receive the full minimum price for their turkeys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Prices.
The answer to the first part of the question is yes. My information, however, is that the price of 2/6 per lb. is being paid only for second quality turkeys and that the price of 3/6 per lb., which I have indicated should be received by producers for well-finished turkeys, is being paid for all turkeys conforming to that description.
Could the Minister indicate to the House who is the judge of what is a well-finished turkey?
Mr. Walsh
I take it that the producer can judge.
Suppose the purchaser does not agree with the producer, whose view prevails?
Mr. Walsh
It is a question of the producer's saying that he or she must get the price.
Exactly. Will the Minister devise some machinery whereby the producer who is satisfied that his bird is of prime quality, shall be enabled to get 3/6 a lb., and not be fobbed off with 2/6 a lb.? Will the Minister undertake to cancel the licence of any buyer who purchases turkeys at 2/6 a lb. when the producer is entitled to 3/6 a lb.?
Mr. Walsh
If the Deputy submits any case to me where such has happened, I shall consider taking action of some description.
Is the Minister aware that in the West of Ireland very few producers have got 3/6 a lb. since the purchase of turkeys started? As some of those birds weigh from 18 to 20 lb. the loss to the producer is considerable. There is utter discontent among the producers of turkeys.
Mr. Walsh
I must say that I have received no such complaints.
I want to assure the Minister that in the town of Kilkelly, in Swinford and in other parts of Mayo the producers are discontented because of the position.
In view of the statements of Deputy Cafferky and others that people in the West of Ireland are not familiar with the price that they should get for their turkeys, would it not be simple for the Minister to insert a notice in the provincial papers, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, informing producers of the price they should get for their turkeys?
They know perfectly well what price they should get.
There is no reason why they should not. They are not getting it in my area.
Is the Minister aware that in one instance a small buyer paid 2/6 per lb. for these turkeys and had to dispose of them at 2/4½ with a consequent loss of £100?
Mr. Walsh
I am not so aware.