asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he had negotiations with the British Ministry of Agriculture prior to the announcement of the recent regulations governing the importation of cattle from this country; and, if so, if he will state the nature of the negotiations, and indicate the probable effects of the new regulations on the cattle export trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Cattle Import Regulations.
41.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
The new regulations to which the Deputy refers apply only to uncertificated cattle exported to Britain for immediate slaughter as from 1st March, 1960, the movement of which from the landing places will then be restricted to nominated abattoirs. These arrangements should not affect the fat cattle trade in any serious way but the matter will be reviewed if it is found in practice that the abattoirs already approved for the purpose do not fully cater for our needs.
Will the Minister state if the regulations made by the British Ministry of Agriculture had the Government's approval?
They were discussed and agreed, I believe.
Were they agreed by this Government?
Yes.