asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a difference, averaging from £3 to £4 per head less, in the average prices paid to exporters of cattle to Britain from Southern Ireland as against the prices paid for cattle exported from Northern Ireland to the same markets; that the difference amounts, in the aggregate, to about £1,000,000 per annum; whether he has made any representations to the appropriate British authorities with a view to having the price paid to Southern Ireland exporters increased to the level paid to Northern exporters, and if not, if he will undertake to do so without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Export Prices.
I am aware that the prices fixed by the British Ministry of Food for imported cattle sold for slaughter two months after importation are less by 5/- per cwt. than the prices prescribed for cattle of the same quality bred in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The seasonal prices of such imported cattle have been increased for the year commencing 2nd July, 1945, but the differential of 5/- per cwt. has been continued. Appropriate representations have been made in the matter without effect.
Will the Minister keep on at that problem?
The Deputy may be sure that I will.