asked the Minister for Agriculture what action has been taken pursuant to the recommendations of the several marketing reports received by him from the Commission on Marketing; and particularly whether any action has been taken on the report regarding turkeys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commission on Marketing.
27.
The general conclusions of the Government in regard to these Reports are being incorporated in a White Paper which it is hoped to publish in the near future.
With regard to turkeys, as already announced, I have established this season, after consultation with the advisory Committee, an ad hoc Turkey Export Committee (representative of producers, packers and my Department, with an Independent Chairman) to keep the trade under close review during the season in the light of the recommendations made in the Advisory Committee's Report. I have also given effect to some specific recommendations of the Advisory Committee; in particular, by entering into an arrangement with the British Turkey Federation for joint publicity designed to promote increased turkey consumption.
Is the Minister aware that turkey markets have already opened in the West of Ireland and that at Blackweir, Derrylin and Kilrush as low as 1/7d. per lb. is being paid for cock turkeys, 2/1d. for hens and 13d. per lb. for what are described as substandard birds? Is he further aware that there was a strong recommendation in the Marketing Commission's Report for some form of marketing board to protect producers from wild fluctuations in turkey prices and does he think all has been done that could be done to protect producers this year against prices of that kind for the turkeys that it takes them nine months to rear?
I am aware of the reports to which the Deputy has referred but it is still too soon to make any forecast as to what the turkey market will be like for the rest of the season. I have considered the recommendation made by the advisory committee and discussed it at length with the committee. I was not satisfied on the information at my disposal and with whatever knowledge I personally had that the arrangement recommended by that body would be advisable and would have the result to which the Deputy refers and which we would all like to achieve.
The Minister speaks of publishing a White Paper shortly. I think the Minister will recall that he has forecast that on more than one occasion. Would he be in a position to say that this White Paper will be made available before Christmas?
To deal with a number of these recommendations is not such an easy matter. First of all, they have to be examined by the Department and by myself, of course, and in regard to some of these reports it is necessary for me to meet the members of the committee as a body. I have met some of them already. I have still to meet some of these committees. I can only say that we are pressing forward as best we can to the point where we will issue this document saying what the Government attitude is on the various reports that have been submitted.
Lastly, may I ask the Minister, in view of the fact that a turkey market will be proceeding from now until close to Christmas, could he, to-day or at an early future date, consider giving producers some advice as to what price level they may reasonably expect to receive, not in London, but in local markets, which figure he would arrive at by the standard calculation, having ascertained the probable price in London and its corresponding price in local markets in Ireland?
It is, of course, the intention that such information as is available will be given from week to week but I am not able to ensure that, as a result of giving such information, the market for turkeys will be satisfactory.
The Minister will give some guidance to producers?
We shall give all the information we can, that is available to us, as to what the market prospects are.
None has been made available so far.
The market has not really opened up in any serious way.
The people in Kilrush have sold their turkeys.
We know.
Thirteen pence a lb.
I do not know who bought these turkeys. They may have been bought by some co-operative who have purchased them, perhaps, on the basis of paying a bonus at a later date.
That is only the one I set up in Cootehill.
It might want to be set up again.
No. I hear it is doing quite well.
The remaining questions will appear on to-morrow's Order Paper but Deputies who so desire may get the replies.
Questions Nos. 28 to 60 postponed.