asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the position which now obtains and that which obtained heretofore in regard to payment for cattle sent from Ireland to the British Ministry of Food which are (1) totally condemned as unfit for food; (2) graded down as a result of damage sustained in transit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment for Unfit and Injured Cattle-
Prior to July, 1948, when the present revised arrangements in regard to the taking-over of Irish fat cattle by the British Ministry of Food came into effect, the carcase of an animal forwarded otherwise than "at owner's risk" by the British port fatstock agent would, if condemned, be paid for at the grade price applicable as if no condemnation had taken place. In the case of cattle slaughtered at a port abattoir, the exporter was liable for any loss arising through down-grading of a carcase as a result of damage in transit. The Ministry of Food was liable for such loss in the case of animals slaughtered at inland abattoirs, except animals forwarded "at owner's risk" by the British port fatstock agent.
Under the present arrangements, the exporter is liable for losses arising from condemnation of a carcase for disease or for any other cause or from down-grading in consequence of damage. Previously, however, the weight of the kidneys was deducted by the Ministry of Food in calculating the price to be paid for the carcase, but the kidneys are now paid for as part of the carcase. The payment obtained for the kidneys offsets the liability falling on exporters under the new arrangement in respect of the condemnation or down-grading of carcases, which in the period 12/7/48 to 31/12/48 amounted to less than .7 of 1 per cent. of the total value of the cattle shipped.