HC Deb 26 March 1947 vol 435 cc1237-8
51. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Food how the allocation of the large turkeys from the U.S.A. will be made; and whether it will be possible to make some available to butchers in mining areas for cooking and selling in sandwiches.

50. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Minister of Food what arrangements he proposes to make to enable small families to purchase portions of the turkeys from the U.S.A. when these birds become available.

Dr. Summerskill

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sparkbrook (Mr. Shurmer) on 24th March. If arrangements for the purchase of these turkeys are concluded we will consider the possibility of allocating some to butchers in mining areas for sale to miners' canteens, where they could be included in the packed meals, to which it is assumed my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Murray

Is my hon. Friend aware that that reply will give great satisfaction—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—because at the present time the butchers do not know how to give people something to eat during the week?

Sir T. Moore

Is the hon. Lady aware that the average weight of these turkeys is 34 lb.; that it takes three years for a turkey to achieve that weight; and that, therefore, the turkeys are so tough that they will not be able to be carved?

Mr. Gallacher

They are not so tough as the hon. and gallant Member.

54. Captain John Crowder

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the price paid for the turkeys which he has recently bought in the U.S.A.

Dr. Summerskill

Negotiations for the purchase of some turkeys which were offered to my right hon. Friend are not yet completed.

Captain Crowder

Is the hon. Lady aware that a private importer told the Minister that these turkeys could be bought at about 33 cents per lb. f.o.b. New York last January; that the Minister did nothing; that the new price is between 37 and 38 cents per lb.; and could the Minister look into it, because bulk buying is becoming very expensive?

Dr. Summerskill

I have told the hon. and gallant Member that negotiations are going forward. I do not want to prejudice negotiations by mentioning prices in the House at this moment.

Mr. Scollan

Is the hon. Lady aware that the United States have just confiscated the largest turkey in Europe and Asia?

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