JAMAICA LABOUR Party Spokesman on Industry and Commerce, Karl Samuda, wants to know whether broiler producers held "appropriate consultations" with the Minister of Agriculture prior to the recent 8 per cent increase in the price of chicken.
Mr. Samuda pointed out in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, that based on the 86 per cent special tariff protection and additional limitations placed on quantities of chicken meat imported into the island, broiler producers are required to consult with the Minister prior to any price increase.
He tabled a Motion which also called for appropriate steps to be taken to prevent shortages and for a review of the procedures, necessary to enable the Minister to advise Parliament on the reasons for price increases on essential items which enjoy significant support from protective tariffs.
Mr. Samuda's Motion read: "WHEREAS it has been reported that the major poultry meat producer has increased its prices of chicken meat by some 8 per cent, which is expected to result in an increase to the consumer of nearly twenty dollars per chicken; and
"WHEREAS this industry enjoys an 86 per cent special tariff protection in addition to the limitations placed on the quantities of chicken meat that can be imported into the country; and
"WHEREAS any movement in the price of this commodity has a very significant impact on the consumer price index; and
"WHEREAS it has been reported that there presently exists in the market a shortage of chicken meat, resulting in hardships for many who depend on this inexpensive protein; and
"WHEREAS the Ministry of Agriculture ought properly to be consulted prior to the implementation of any increase in the price of this sensitive and protected commodity, which provides one of the cheapest sources of protein for the majority of our population.
"BE IT RESOLVED that this Parliament calls on the Minister of Agriculture to advise on whether or not appropriate consultation was sought with either himself or his Ministry, prior to the implementation of the recent price increase in chicken meat.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOL-VED that the Minister of Agriculture be requested to: (1) Take all appropriate steps to ensure that undue shortages of this vital commodity do not occur:(2) Conduct review of the procedures to enable him to properly advise the Parliament as to the reasons for the price increase on essential items which enjoy significant support from protective tariffs."
