asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the present position of the poultry and egg industry and if he will indicate if there is likely to be a remunerative market for the products of this industry in the months ahead.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg and Poultry Industry.
The prices obtained by our producers for table chickens and hens have shown an improvement since the export trade was returned to private hands on the 1st October last. There has been an improvement in egg prices also in the past few weeks. I am not in a position to forecast what the future may hold for us. The British market has become highly competitive, export prices will depend on what the British consumer is prepared to pay, but I am satisfied that if we improve the quality of our products and cut our costs of production we shall be able to hold and improve our position in that market.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary tell us, or am I right in taking it from his statement, that the Government propose to do nothing about it, that the attitude of the Government is one of helplessness, that they can do nothing and know nothing about it?
In view of the highly competitive matters which the Minister states he has to contend with now, would he consider it was the right time to criticise the standard of home produced eggs in view of the steps that have been taken by his Department in relation to the egg industry facing the coming negotiations?
Any criticism the Minister expressed was by way of advice.
In view of the emphasis the Parliamentary Secretary placed on improvement in quality and the cutting of costs, can he say whether the Minister will issue a statement saying, particularly in the present circumstances, what he proposes to do to assist the poultry producers to improve the quality and to cut costs?
He has given cheaper maize.
My question was addressed to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture.
My answer was addressed to this side of the House, too.
The Minister for Social Welfare has indicated one important step taken, that is, a reduction in the price of the feed.
Three months too late.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the Minister for Social Welfare was in charge of the Department of Agriculture for a long number of years and does he realise the muddle that he left it in?
He made a better job of it than you did.
I stuck it longer than your man—he was kicked out after three years.