Memorandum submitted by CD Thomas (X13)
As a farming family we have over the last number
of years struggled to make a living from producing turkeys as
the prices to us are reduced, we continue to reduce labour and
other costs until there are no more cuts to be made. Poultry production
in this country is now at the highest quality it has ever been,
at the lowest cost, but still we are unable to sustain a living
from it. Finally the inevitable has happened and the integrator
we supply (Brandon's plc) have now gone into receivership (all
being brought about by the unchallenged low quality imports brought
into this country) So not only will we as a family probably have
to cease trading but will have to eat the very meat that has poisoned
our livelihood.
Surely as a concerned government it must be
realised that once home production has ceased the importers will
be able to name their own prices which will have a massive impact
on our economy and indeed eventually our health. I implore you
to take this in hand before our dying breed of farmers become
permanently extinct.
CD Thomas
7 May 2003
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