HC Deb 15 November 1956 vol 560 cc1121-2
27. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the prospects for the importation of poultry for the festive season in view of the shortage of shipping arising from the Middle East situation.

Mr. H. Nicholls

Imports of poultry for the Christmas trade are unlikely to be materially reduced by any shortage of shipping because Eire is our main overseas supplier at this time of the year. Increased supplies of home-produced poultry, including record numbers of turkeys, will be available.

Mr. Dodds

Is it not a fact that many turkeys come from the Middle East areas, and is the hon. Gentleman now stating that the normal supplies will be available for Christmas, 1956, or not until later?

Mr. Nicholls

We do not expect it to make any material difference at all to the Christmas supplies. It may interest the hon. Gentleman to know that the number of home-produced turkeys is 73 per cent. higher this year than last.

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