HC Deb 30 June 1981 vol 7 c341W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the loss of confidence in the turkey industry, his Department has estimated the number of turkey chicks that will be gassed in 1981.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

No. Turkey poults are generally hatched to meet specific orders and I expect these basic arrangements to continue.

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the total yearly consumption of turkey meat in the United Kingdom;

(2) what is the total yearly production of turkey meat in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The latest figures of United Kingdom estimated production and of consumption based on this, net imports and increases in stocks in 1980, are as follows:

1980
(tonnes)
Production 122,000
plus imports + 9,275
minus exports - 1,806
minus net increase in cold store stocks - 5,650
Apparent consumption 123,819