asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state to what extent the feeders' subsidy on Irish store cattle exports to Britain is reflected in the prices paid to Irish exporters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidy on Store Cattle.
It is estimated that the major portion of the subsidy is reflected in the prices paid to Irish exporters.
Could the Minister say what amount of money is involved?
I do not know that I can. I am sure several people have made an effort to establish exactly what percentage went one way and what percentage went the other. Some calculations have been made which I suppose are fairly accurate, but I personally cannot see that it would be possible to have a completely accurate estimate.
We should be very glad to have even an estimate for our own information, although it might not be 100 per cent.
About the £10 or £15 a head to the producer, would the Minister consider in this connection raising with the British Government at the present time the desirability of shortening the period of sojourn in Great Britain, thus ensuring that a larger proportion of the differential would go to the producer? They say they are short of beef. If they would cut the three months to one month, it ought to suit both them and us.
It is naturally the obligation of a Minister to consider every question that would be of interest and importance to us.
I accept that. A nod is as good as a wink.