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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1954

Vol. 144 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Export Trade.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the future of the fat and store cattle export trade to Britain.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the uncertain position of farmers and stock breeders in reference to the beef export market due to the alterations pending in cross-Channel marketing conditions; and, if so, if he will clarify the position by making a statement in the matter.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is now in a position to state what arrangements will be made for the purchase of cattle when the present arrangement between the British Ministry of Food and this country terminates this year; and if he is aware of the need for an early decision on the matter.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he intends to negotiate with the British Government regarding prices to be paid for agricultural produce and live stock exported from this country; and if he will state the reasons for the delay in making representations to the British Government, especially concerning pigs, poultry, eggs and live stock.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 70, 71, 72 and 73 together.

The amendment to the 1948 trade agreement made last June provides for discussions between the two Governments in regard to the arrangements under which the trade in various products, including meat and live stock, will be continued after decontrol in Britain. The Government fully appreciate the importance of the matter and have intimated that they wish the discussions to take place at an early date.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate if these conversations will take place soon and whether or not they will take place at ministerial level?

It is expected that they will take place soon, but I understand that the British Government has not replied to the request for the discussion.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary indicate if it is proposed that these conversations will take place at ministerial level?

I have not got definite information on the point.

Notice should be given of a question of that kind.

In other words, are they going to do their own job, instead of getting office boys to do it?

It is a question which should not be asked without notice.

In view of the importance of the beef export trade and the fact that we are depending on it, surely it is an occasion for Ministers to meet British Ministers for the discussion of this all important matter? Is there no member of the Government who can give an indication as to whether that is to be the case or not?

Notice should be given of a question of that sort. That is all we ask for.

It does not seem to me that the level at which the discussions will be held arises relevantly out of this set of questions.

Surely an important matter such as this is a matter for discussions at ministerial level.

That may be, but the matter does not arise relevantly out of this series of questions.

Surely it is not too much to ask a member of the Government to give an opinion on it.

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