asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the price payable to producers for eggs has fallen to 1/6 per dozen as a result of which farmers in many parts of the country have been forced to dispose of laying hens with resultant injury to the entire poultry industry; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Industry: Egg Prices.
The answer to the first part of the question is "No."
The Deputy should be aware that the egg markets have improved and that producers are now obtaining up to 2/- per dozen for eggs and more in some districts.
I am aware that during the month of January when egg prices were very low there was a tendency amongst poultry keepers to dispose of hens. This however could be all to the good if those hens were old and uneconomic.
As the egg market is free the price to producers, now that eggs are available for export, will be determined by the prices made in Great Britain. In order to obtain the best possible prices there it is essential that we market only the highest quality eggs and, furthermore, that producers must make every endeavour to reduce their costs of production.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us if he has any information to indicate the number of hens killed since last December, say, since the drop occurred in the price of eggs?
I have not got such information.
It should not be too much to ask the Minister to find that out.