asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received any proposals in respect of the export of chilled beef to Canada; and, if so, whether he will make a statement to the Dáil setting out the position in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Chilled Beef.
The answer to the first part of the question is No. The second part does not, therefore, arise.
Would the Minister say whether he would consider any such representations favourably?
I do not think it is practicable commercially to chill beef for export to Canada. The refrigeration problem presented would be insuperable. There are considerable quantities of frozen beef going both to Canada and the United States of America.
Would the Minister say he would be influenced if a contrary expression of opinion was given by Canadians interested in this particular type of export?
The Deputy will realise that the matter is one of considerable technical difficulty and has been under constant examination by the technical officers of my Department here, in Canada and in the United States of America, whither I sent them to investigate this particular matter. I would certainly be influenced by any intelligent representation made to me, but the Deputy will fully recognise that ultimately I must be guided by my technical advisers, who will gladly consult with anybody that wishes to discuss this matter with them.