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U.S. Turkeys

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 March 1947.

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Photo of Mr James Murray Mr James Murray , Spennymoor 12:00, 26 March 1947

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.

Photo of Mr Sidney Shephard Mr Sidney Shephard , Newark

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.

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

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.

Photo of Mr James Murray Mr James Murray , Spennymoor

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?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr District of Burghs

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?

Photo of Mr William Gallacher Mr William Gallacher , Fife Western

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

Photo of Sir John Crowder Sir John Crowder , Finchley

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.

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

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

Photo of Sir John Crowder Sir John Crowder , Finchley

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?

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

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.

Photo of Mr Thomas Scollan Mr Thomas Scollan , Renfrewshire Western

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

Minister

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