asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to open negotiations with the British Government with a view to a long-term agreement regarding the export of live stock and agricultural products with particular reference to store cattle and breeding heifers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Exports.
I do not propose to open negotiations with the British Government with a view to a long-term agreement regarding the export of agricultural commodities as I am not satisfied that it would be more advantageous than the present system of securing the best terms possible for a reasonable period ahead.
Does the Minister not consider that a long-term agreement would have the advantage of enabling us to produce the type of live stock the British may require and that if we were in a position to supply the British needs over a long period we would be in a position to command a better market and a better price?
If the Deputy could imagine himself in the position of a British Minister negotiating a long-term agreement, he would have in mind the great uncertainty of prices for the next six or seven years and would probably be on the safe side in the prices he would offer.
I do not intend exactly a long-term agreement in regard to prices. I had in mind that at least there could be an arrangement in regard to the quantity that they would take, the numbers they would take and the type of stock that they would require and for which they might give us preference.
It is very hard to make agreement with regard to quantity unless price is decided at the same time.
Is the Minister not aware that the Governments of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and, I think, Canada, entered into long-term agreements with the British Government over 12 months ago in regard to agricultural products?
I am quite well aware of that—at prices we would not accept on any account.