asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) how many head of cattle were exported from ports in the area of Ireland controlled by the Government to ports in Britain in the years ending 31st March, 1948, 1949 and 1950, and the value thereof in each year, and (b) the value of the beef exported dead weight during the said three years and if he proposes to make any statement to the Dáil indicating plans to encourage the export of cattle otherwise than on the hoof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports.
Exports of cattle from ports in the Twenty-Six Counties to ports in Britain in the years ended 31st March, 1948, 1949 and 1950 were:—
|
No. |
||
|
Year ended |
31/3/48 |
265,579 |
|
,, ,, |
31/3/49 |
198,299 |
|
,, ,, |
31/3/50 |
293,653 |
Statistics of the value of exports of cattle through ports are not compiled separately. The numbers and value of cattle exported to Great Britain and Northern Ireland in these periods were:—
|
No. |
Value |
||
|
£ |
|||
|
Year ended |
31/3/48 |
452,085 |
14,662,210 |
|
,, ,, |
31/3/49 |
334,698 |
13,258,431 |
|
,, ,, |
31/3/50 |
429,743 |
18,589,024 |
The value of exports of fresh, frozen, chilled and tinned beef in the years in question was:—
|
Value |
||
|
£ |
||
|
Year ended |
31/3/48 |
778,028 |
|
,, ,, |
31/3/49 |
811,340 |
|
,, ,, |
31/3/50 |
1,548,802 |
I am prepared to encourage, in so far as may be feasible, the export of cattle otherwise than on the hoof but, as the trade is affected by a number of factors outside my control, I cannot usefully make a statement as to its future development. I have reason to hope, however, that exports of carcase beef will substantially increase.