asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received any complaints about persons who did not ship dairy cows in 1940 and who are given licences to export dairy cows in the current quota period; and whether he will publish lists of the names of persons to whom export licences are given in each quota period.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Dairy Cows.
The only complaint received by me that export licences for dairy stock were being issued to persons who had not previously shipped dairy stock was one made in August, 1942. On investigation it was found that there were no grounds for this complaint. I do not propose to publish lists of the names of persons to whom export licences are given, but the National Executive of the Irish Live Stock Trade, who distribute these licences on the basis of information supplied by my Department, will, no doubt, send to the Deputy, on application, a list of the licences.
If I apply to the body referred to by the Minister, a list will be available?
I think so, yes.
Thank you.
asked the Minister for Agriculture what quantity of dairy cows are being exported monthly to Great Britain; what number of export licences for dairy cows are available, and on what basis are these licences being distributed amongst exporters.
As the Deputy is aware, detailed figures relating to exports are not made public. I am, therefore, unable to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. It may, however, be stated that the numbers of dairy cows exported in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1943, and up to date in 1944 are considerably less than the numbers exported in the corresponding periods in previous years.
The export licences available for dairy cows are distributed by the National Executive of the Irish Live Stock Trade and are divided proportionately amongst shippers on the basis of the numbers of dairy cattle exported by them to England or Wales during the year 1940.
Are we to assume that inasmuch as far fewer dairy cattle are going now than did go in 1940, a shipper in 1940 can reasonably expect to receive licences equal to 100 per cent. of his total exports in 1940?
As far as I understand, very few of the exporters are using the licences to the full.
Quite. So that one who wanted 100 per cent. of his shipments in 1940 may reasonably expect to get it?
I think so.