asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the growing demand for top quality beef and the marked increase in the value of the Aberdeen Angus bull over other breeds, he will consider the advisability of giving a greater allocation of premium and special term Aberdeen Angus bulls to applicants in non-dairying counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Bull Premiums.
The allocation of premiums for bulls under my Department's cattle breeding scheme rests with the county committees of agriculture. While the scheme provides that not less than a specified proportion of the new premiums each year shall be reserved for dairy shorthorn bulls, it is for each committee itself to decide what proportion of the balance of the premiums shall be allocated for bulls of the Aberdeen-angus breed.
As regards my Department's special term bull scheme in the congested districts, everything possible, consistent with safeguarding the supply of dual purpose shorthorn foundation stock, is being done to locate good quality beef bulls, particularly Aberdeen-Angus, with applicants in non-dairying areas.