asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any representations have been made to him in regard to the purchase of in-calf heifers for conversion into canned meat for export, and, if so, whether he will take steps to stop this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of In-Calf Heifers.
I have received no representations of the nature mentioned by the Deputy.
Would the Minister approve of the practice of purchasing in-calf heifers for the purpose of canning?
No; I would not.
Is the Minister aware that that practice is proceeding?
As I have said, I have not heard that it has been proceeding.
It is. Will the Minister get into communication with those persons canning meat for export at the present time, and question them as to the propriety of this being done?
We have been able to make an examination only of one particular case—that is in the City of Dublin—over a period; and one-half per cent. of the cows slaughtered were in calf. Probably it was not known that they were in calf, as it was in the very early stages.
Will the Minister cause inquiries to be made of canners of meat for export, as to whether they are purchasing springing heifers, that is, heifers bearing their first calf and due to calve within a month of the fair at which they are exposed? That practice is being pursued, and if the Minister shares my view that it is a practice which should be discouraged, I suggest that inquiries be made of the canners and the Minister's view communicated to them.
Certainly. I do not think the practice could pay.
The Minister is aware that persons canning meat are getting a better price for canned meat on the export market than they could get for dead meat?
No.
It is true. Persons exporting canned meat definitely are making more money than if they dressed the meat and exported it as dead meat.
They are paid less, on the average.
I do not know how they are paid, but they are making more money than if they exported it as dead meat.