asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the present selling arrangements for turkeys are most unsatisfactory, and that, in the midlands, live hen turkeys of excellent quality are purchased at 2/6 per lb.; and if he will state on what system it is decided that the birds are of first quality or second quality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Prices.
I am not aware that the position is as suggested by the Deputy in the first part of his question. I am satisfied that the appropriate price is being received by producers for all well finished turkeys. With regard to the second part of the question, turkeys which are not well finished are regarded as second quality, and, as such, sell at a much lower price on the export market. Both the producers and the buyers are well aware of the distinction between the two grades and are selling and buying accordingly.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say who is responsible for the grading of the turkeys or who is the arbitrator or judge?
I understand that the buyers and the sellers are the best arbitrators.
Unfortunately, there is very often a difference.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, consequent on the reduction of 1d. in the profit margin allowed to handlers of fowl, it is common talk that they have decided to compensate themselves for the reduction of 1d. in their handling costs by buying a percentage of the birds at 1/-a lb. under the 3/6 fixed by the Minister for Agriculture and that, all over the country, a considerable percentage of all the turkeys offered are being bought and paid for at 2/6 a lb. when everybody knows that they ought to be paid for at 3/6 a lb? Will the Minister not take some measures to check up on what is going on to the knowledge of everybody in the country at the fowl markets at present? Surely he can do something to stop them.
The Minister's local officers are available at these markets to advise the sellers generally as to what birds qualify for the top price. It is a fact that birds that are thin or crooked-breasted or old are relegated to Grade B and do not fetch the top price.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary realises that it is not the people who are selling the turkeys who want the advice of the Department's officers. Their desire is that officers of the Minister's Department shall be present to advise buyers of their duty and to warn them that if they do not do their duty the Minister will take their licence from them. If the Minister will take the licence from one or two of these highwaymen and plunderers——
The Deputy is making a speech.
That is being done to the greatest possible extent.
I did not hear of anybody losing his licence. The people are being robbed.