asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, at a conference on food production held in Sligo, he stated that the price of eggs would reach 27/6 per great hundred; and if, as the present price is 22/6 per great hundred is insufficient to cover the cost of production, he will increase the fixed price to 27/6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Eggs.
The Deputy is under a misconception as to my statement at the conference in question. I stated that, to encourage producers to market more eggs, it was intended to increase the average price of eggs this year by 3d. per dozen, or by 2/6 per great hundred, over the average price last year. At the time I made this announcement, the price to producers was 25/- per hundred, or 2/6 per dozen. That price was maintained until the 26th March last in view of the abnormal weather conditions, when it was reduced to the present level of 2/3 per dozen, i.e., 22/6 per hundred, in accordance with the usual seasonal variation. The present price is 3d. per dozen higher than in the corresponding period of last year. The prices paid for eggs for export are based on the assumption that exports will attain a volume which will secure the highest price available on the export market. In the circumstances, it is not possible to increase the average price.