asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that turkeys were sold last year at an uneconomic prices to the producer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Prices.
50.
The vast bulk of 1973 turkey production marketed at Christmas and throughout the year was sold under contract at prices which were generally satisfactory to the producer. The remainder were sold at public markets prior to Christmas at prices which varied from centre to centre and day to day according to supply and demand. Prices for these held up well generally until shortly before Christmas when appreciably poorer prices were offered to late sellers.
Has the Minister any plans to make sure this will not happen again? His Parliamentary Secretary was always interested in the turkey producers until now. Has the Minister any plans to ensure the market will not collapse?
The figures I have indicated there represented quite a nice profit for turkey production in the past year. It was only those who held on too late with turkeys who did not get a good price. I cannot make the people sell.
A sum of 25p per lb is not profitable.