asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in connection with the recent trade agreement with Great Britain, it has been arranged that a certain number of fat cattle will be exported weekly at present; if so if he will state the total weekly number so arranged for and the numbers intended to be shipped weekly to: (a) Glasgow, (b) Birkenhead, (c) Manchester, and (d) Liverpool, between the present date and Christmas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fat Cattle Exports.
Arrangements are made from week to week, in consultation with the British Ministry of Food and the shipping companies concerned, for the export of such numbers of fat cattle weekly to Great Britain as can be dealt with in the centres mentioned in the Deputy's question and also in Cardiff. It is not possible to give an accurate forecast of the numbers to be shipped to these centres.
Will the Minister say how many days' notice can be given to shippers of the number that has been agreed upon between this Government and the British authorities?
No agreement as to numbers has been made beyond that if it should happen that on the other side they were unable to cater for or handle the number sent across, we would endeavour to assist them as much as possible. No such situation has arisen and I would expect that those interested in shipping should make inquiries elsewhere as to the accommodation that would be available for their purpose.
Is the Minister not aware that there is very considerable confusion on the part of shipowners, and very considerable confusion in the whole matter of shipping, and that it would be most desirable that farmers with cattle to dispose of and shippers making arrangements for the shipping of cattle, should know, at least a few days beforehand, what ships were available?
I have heard a lot about this confusion, but if people all over the country proceed to take risks and chances it would be very hard to protect them from the inconvenience which is often the result.
Would it not be possible to indicate the maximum capacity for the number of cattle to be shipped? The trade has no information. Is it proposed to take the maximum number possible?
Yes, that is the position.
Can an immediate estimate not be given of that?
No.
There is no information available on the other side?
No.