asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether, in view of the reduction in the number of cattle in the Saorstát shown in the Annual Return recently issued by his Department, he will consider the advisability of placing some check on the export of heifers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EXPORT OF HEIFERS.
I do not consider that the circumstances are such as to justify the Department in placing any restrictions upon the normal trade in the export of heifers. In addition, it would be very difficult to differentiate at the ports between heifers suitable for breeding purposes and those suitable for beef.
Will the Minister take steps to check any abnormal export of heifers?
Mr. HOGAN
I will.
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Cooper is inconsistent as a free trader in asking for an embargo on exports?
Not on exports.
Would the Minister consider the implied suggestion of Major Cooper that he ought to give consideration to the sex of future generations of cattle?
Would the Minister agree to present a statement showing the facts regarding exports of cattle for the last two years, as compared with pre-war years? I think it would remove some misapprehension.
Mr. HOGAN
To have a statement circulated to Deputies—yes, certainly.
Will the Minister consider the suggestion of offering inducements to people to get more heifers in calf for keeping as dairy cows?
Mr. HOGAN
That is being done by the subsidies to cow-testing associations. I do not know what further inducements I could offer.
That would be more effective than the other method suggested.