asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department has given consideration to a graded scale of bounty for fat cattle on the following basis:—30/- for January, 35/- for February, 40/- for March, 45/- for April, 50/- for May, and 30/- for June; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fat Cattle Bounty.
Consideration has been given to the provision of a graded scale of bounty as suggested, but it has been thought more advisable to arrange for a flat rate throughout the period.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he not think that some inducement ought to be given to feeders to hold down stocks, and not to put all their stock on the market at the same time? What steps does the Minister propose to take in order to see that some of the stocks are held?
I do not see that that follows. I do not see that that should mean that they would put their cattle on the market at the same time.
I am sure the Minister will agree that the producer might not get the same price at one time as at another time, and will he not consider offering some inducement in the way that has been suggested with a view to evening up supplies?
The price will probably improve.
I am sure the Minister sees my point.