asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when the last importation of grandparent turkey breeding stock took place; and when the next importation is expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Breeding.
105.
The last importation of grandparent turkey breeding stock was made in January 1973.
There are no proposals at present for further importations by private turkey breeding interests.
My Department will consider a further importation of grandparent breeding stock for its Turkey Breeding Unit at Mellows College, Athenry, should the need arise.
What type were imported in 1973?
I have not that information. I believe they were imported from Scotland. It was the BUT stock importation by Hanlons that was considerably delayed and eventually this importation was made from Scotland.
For your own farm in Mellowes College when was the last importation of grandparent stock?
In 1965 or 1966. The reason why there has not been importations since is because of the disease in America and in England. The Deputy, I am sure, knows that this was the cause. The disease was Arizona Paracolan.
Would the Minister agree that in view of the long delay since the importation the stock is losing its productive qualities? Would he also agree that it is not anything as good as it was in 1965?
My officers feel that the quality is very high. If there is a necessity for further importation of grandparent stock it will be met.