asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any steps have been taken to find an alternative market for the big surplus of stall-fed cattle in this country that cannot be exported to the British markets; and, if not if he is aware that the farmers' stocks of winter feeding have run out and that cattle that have been house-fed all the winter are actually being turned out on the bare pastures, and that the British market for stall-fed cattle will end next month, after which the only British demand for cattle from this country will be for store cattle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Market for Surplus Stall-fed Cattle.
Dr. Ryan
The position with reference to supplies of stall-fed cattle is being carefully watched. The Deputy is premature in assuming that there is a big surplus of fat cattle which cannot be exported, and it is incorrect to state that the British market demands store cattle only after the end of next month. Fat cattle are exported to Great Britain in every month of the year, and an export quota has been fixed for each month up to the end of June.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, I want to know if he is aware that there are no grass-fed cattle shipped out of Wexford in May or June?
Dr. Ryan
That is another question.
It is a question that wants an answer.
After being put on the Order Paper.
What is that, Uncle?
The question will be answered after it has been put on the Order Paper.
Does the Minister know that the feeding stuffs are running out in Wexford? I am sure the Minister knows as well as I do that farmers in Wexford are at the moment badly off for feeding stuffs for cattle, and for money to pay their annuities and rates.