asked the Minister for Agriculture the amount of the subsidy paid on (a) carcase meat and (b) live cattle exported since 1st April, 1961, to date; and what rate of subsidy is at present payable under each heading.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidy on Carcase Meat and Live Cattle Exports.
11.
The amount of subsidy paid from 1st April, 1961, to 17th February, 1962, was £1,913,758 in respect of carcase beef exported and £2,193,666 in respect of live cattle exported.
As to the second part of the Question, the rate of subsidy payable during the current week commencing 19th February, 1962, is 0.1d. per 1b. on carcase beef and 6d. per cwt. on live cattle exported.
Are we to assume that for the duration of the campaign for the elimination of bovine tuberculosis these scales of subsidy will continue until the operation in relation to bovine tuberculosis is completed?
There, again, I think I am entitled to say that I regard the supplementary question as not being quite fair. The subsidy has been announced and is in operation up to 31st March. If the Deputy was anxious to hear from me what the prospects are for the future, the question could have included that further query.
I do not want to press the Minister unduly, but can he tell me?
I can tell you, but, in fairness, I think I should have been asked in that question. It is not my intention to continue the subsidy in question beyond 31st March.