Deputy Hughes spoke about the export of stores and the 14-day test. Speaking yesterday on the Estimate, I said that mutual trade brings mutual benefit and that we are Britain's best customer. Britain's need for our stores is obvious and they are as much concerned as we should be for a continuance of the trade.
I have said we have studied and can further study the British scheme. We know that certain people take unfair and even illegal advantage of any provisions that may arise under a scheme like this. We shall endeavour, I can assure Deputy Hughes, to close such loopholes as are utilised by these people according as we discover them.
As Deputy Wycherley demands, I think we should pay particular attention to the testing of heifers and the branding of reactors so that clean replacements might be purchased by farmers and that we should, as swiftly as possible, move into the dairying districts where the root of the problem exists.
Deputy Donegan seeks a price incentive. That operates in Britain. However, in Britain, the owner must become attested at his own expense. The cost of testing and removal are to be borne entirely by him.
Deputy Allen spoke about avian tuberculosis. That indeed is not a very serious problem.
I am grateful to the Dáil for the way in which they have received this Bill. It gives me hope for the entire success of the proposal and will encourage me to utilise its powers resolutely and with vigour.