asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has any statement to make on the announcement made by his Department and published on the 11th November, 1953, in regard to the small supply of Irish turkeys available on the London market, and if in view of the small supply of other Irish fowl at the same market he willnegotiate for increased fowl prices to induce producers to provide a greater supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Prices.
Mr. Walsh
The buying of turkeys in this country for the Christmas export trade does not normally begin until the third week of November and up to then only very small quantities of Irish turkeys are exported to the British markets. As regards the second part of the question, the market in Great Britain for our poultry is free, and the question of my negotiating prices does not, therefore, arise.
Does the Minister not think that the fact that the British have secured a very large number of turkeys from elsewhere this year will affect the Irish trade in any way?
Mr. Walsh
I have no knowledge of the quantity of turkeys that have been secured but I do know that the market is free in Britain.
Is it not well known that the British have secured large supplies of turkeys from elsewhere?
Mr. Walsh
No, it is not well known.
You do not read the papers.
Is the Minister not aware that many producers are selling turkeys at 2/6 per lb. and will he take steps to ensure that these producers will get a more economic price?
Mr. Walsh
I do not control the price of turkeys. There is a free market.
What interest is your Department taking in this matter?
None.
Can the Minister give us an explanation of the discrepancy that exists in the price for turkeys in different parts of the country at present? Can he take any steps to even up the price and see that the same price obtains all round? There isa difference of as much as 1/- per lb. in the price.
Mr. Walsh
A difference of 1/- per lb. in the home price?
Yes.
Mr. Walsh
As I say, I have no control over price, the internal or external price.
Your Department should have some control.
I am talking about home prices.
Mr. Walsh
I have no control over the price. Supply and demand govern the price.
Will the Minister say what is the average price offered in provincial markets at present? Different prices are being offered in different areas and is it not his business as Minister to see that a fair price for turkeys is secured in the provincial towns?
With your permission, Sir, I intend to raise the subject matter of this question on the motion for the Adjournment.
The matter will be considered and I shall notify the Deputy of my decision in the course of the evening.