andP. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps are being taken to ensure a market for surplus turkeys at a fair price, and if, for the information of producers, he will make a statement on the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Surplus Turkeys.
The British market takes the bulk of our turkeys during the Christmas season, and the prices paid to our producers are, therefore, determined mainly by the prices obtainable for our turkeys in Britain. These prices are decided by demand and supply. This year there has been a record increase in the number of British home-produced turkeys, as well as some increase in numbers here. It is expected, in consequence, that turkey prices will be lower than last year.
I might add, however, that, as a guide to turkey producers, a market bulletin will be issued to the Press and radio twice weekly, which will give the price and general market position in the principal centres in Britain and will give also the live-weight prices paid to our producers at our local markets.
I would advise producers to follow that information as closely as possible to ensure that they obtain the proper market price for their turkeys.
I feel sure the Minister is aware that last season the people were advised by the Department of Agriculture to hold over their turkeys and that consequently they found themselves, in Christmas week, with no market. Will the Department advise turkey producers this year to market their birds early and not to hold them over? It is very important that such advice should be given because producers will be influenced by such advice. Can the Department give any help to producers to market their turkeys on the English market? Has anything been done by the marketing organisation to help producers find a market?
I thought I had explained that I had arranged to publish twice weekly reports upon this matter. I want to correct the Deputy. I am not aware that the Department of Agriculture gave any such advice to turkey producers, as he alleges they gave, last year. That is a figment of his own imagination. I shall continue to provide for producers bi-weekly reports on the state of the market. I do not think the Department is qualified to give the kind of advice the Deputy is seeking. However, I believe it would be sound advice for producers who have large cock birds to dispose of them whenever they are offered the value of them, as the value of large birds is not calculated to increase, the closer we approach to Christmas.
Is it not a fact that last year the Minister was preening himself and strutting about like a turkey cock as the sultan of white turkeys?
I take it that the 14,000 votes out of 60,000 that were recorded for the son of the Deputy's leader have somewhat intoxicated the Deputy.
Major de Valera
Is the Minister arranging for the broadcasting of the market reports to farmers?
Twice weekly.
Major de Valera
Is the Minister sure he will not blame Radio Éireann for any depression in the prices of turkeys?
I thought the Deputy was asking a civil question or I would have given him an uncivil answer.