asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of persons appointed for the purpose of buying cattle for export to Germany and Belgium and the conditions of their employment; whether they have been instructed to confine their operations to certain counties and to buy cattle from a list of persons supplied by his Department; and, if so, from what source such lists of persons are received or compiled; if he will state the conditions under which cattle are being purchased by the persons concerned, and how the fixed price is arrived at, and whether it is intended to furnish to Deputies a statement regarding the trading operations of this section of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports to Germany and Belgium.
Dr. Ryan
Two to three buyers are employed, as required, on a commission basis. Purchases are made in the Dublin market and in rural areas remote from Dublin. In selecting the latter districts regard is had to the number of suitable cattle likely to be available and the relative proximity of the districts to the port of shipment. Before visiting a district the buyer is supplied, by the Department, with a list of persons who have informed the Department that they have suitable fat cattle for sale, or whose names have been obtained through the county committees of Agriculture. There is no fixed price, but 22/- per cwt. is paid for bullocks and heifers. The cattle are purchased in the country districts on a basis that rail charges to the point of shipment are paid by the seller.
In accordance with the provisions of the Slaughter of Cattle and Sheep Act trading accounts, covering the operations referred to, will be presented in due course.