asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that about 10 per cent. of the Kerry cattle breed landed in Birkenhead are degraded from A to B, that this degrading involves a reduction in price of 4¼d. per lb. which is borne by the producers and exporters; and, if so, if he will ensure that, when entering into new agreements with Great Britain, the difference in price between grades A and B will at least be reduced from 4¼d. to 2d. per lb. as was originally the case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Downgrading of Kerry Cattle.
Mr. Walsh
Separate returns are not available showing the numbers of cattle of the Kerry breed exported to Birkenhead or the proportion there of graded as B quality on slaughter by the British Ministry of Food. About 5½ per cent. of all exports of steers and heifers to the Ministry of Food for slaughter at Birkenhead were graded B quality during the year ended 25th January, 1952, the latest date up to which particulars are available. Steers and heifers exported to the ministry are graded special, A or B quality according to appropriate carcase grade definitions and the present difference of 4¼d. per lb. dressed carcase weight between the prices for A and B qualities corresponds to the margin between the prices paid for similar classes of cattle fattened in Great Britain. I cannot undertake to ensure a relatively higher price for our exports of B quality cattle than represented by that margin and, in my opinion, a disproportionate increase in the price of B quality cattle would not be in the ultimate interests of our producers. The difference in price between A and B quality steers and heifers has not been as low as 2d. per lb. dressed carcase weight since the end of 1944, at which time the actual prices paid for such cattle were half the present prices.