asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the serious losses suffered by egg producers, he will state what steps he proposes to take to save this important industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Producers' Losses.
Mr. O'Higgins
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious financial losses incurred by the farming community of the country and particularly by the small farmers of County Mayo, as a result of the recent drop in egg prices; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to save this valuable industry.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
I fully appreciate that the prices received by our producers for eggs since the beginning of the year have not been satisfactory. There has been a considerable improvement, however, in the prices obtained in the past few weeks, and, in addition, good prices continue to be available for poultry.
The market for our eggs in Britain is now completely free and egg producers in this country must be prepared to accept competitive prices. I cannot forecast what the future prices for eggs will be, but I want to emphasise that the British market is now highly competitive as a result of increased home production of eggs and that it is essential that the costs of producing and marketing our eggs must be brought down so that we can compete as regards price on that market. I am convinced that poultry-keepers can effect considerable economies by feeding more homegrown food to their poultry, by keeping better quality laying birds and by adopting up-to-date methods of egg production. They can also help themselves and the general poultry position by marketing their eggs in good condition and clean in shell.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what he considers to be an economic price for eggs at present, taking into consideration the cost of feeding stuffs?
That is surely a separate question.