asked the Minister for Agriculture if as a result of his recent tour of Europe he was successful in procuring any fresh markets in the EEC and EFTA group of countries for Irish agricultural produce.
38.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Markets for Agricultural Produce.
37.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the opening for processed beef within the EEC; and, if so, if he has taken any steps to procure such markets.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
The primary purpose of my visit to the Continent was to attend the Berlin "Green Week". In the course of my visit I had the opportunity of having informal talks with members of the Commission of the European Economic Community and with a number of European Ministers of Agriculture.
The bulk of EEC agricultural imports is now subject to the Common Market organisation. As a result, most agricultural exports from Ireland are free to enter the six countries concerned subject to the import levy system which has generally replaced quantitative and other import restrictions, and there is, therefore, no longer any question of negotiating markets or quotas for such exports. I might add that the value of our exports of cattle and beef to EEC countries increased from £3.3 million in 1963 to £12.7 million in 1964. Of the Irish agricultural exports which are not subject to Community regulations lamb is the most important. This goes mainly to France which operates a minimum import price regime and our exports were maintained at around the £1 million mark in 1963 and 1964.
As regards EFTA, the main agricultural market is, of course, Britain and, as already announced, the possibility of improving the permanent trading arrangements between Ireland and Britain is at present being examined by the two Governments.
Could the Minister give any indication as to when an announcement will be made in regard to this revised agreement——
No.
——in relation to trade between the United Kingdom and ourselves?
No.
Does the Minister consider that he may be able to give an opinion or a date on that matter in the near future?
With my customary modesty, I suggest that the Deputy address that particular question to the Taoiseach.
I wonder would the Taoiseach answer it?
If he will not, I will not.
Does the Minister consider the reduction in the demand for beef in Britain is only temporary?
As I said, the recent easing of consumer demand in Britain is primarily due to the advent of warmer weather. The Deputy's guess is as good as mine as to how long the warmer weather will last.
Personally, I have not noticed the warmer weather, but does the Minister not agree that for the past few weeks the demand for our beef in Britain has been falling and that this week it has fallen more than last week? Does that not look as if the market is not as healthy as it was before and, as Minister for Agriculture, does he consider there is anything he can do?
The reason they think it is warmer is that their faces are so red these days.
To some extent the decrease may be due to consumer resistance to high prices and, of course, I have no desire to bring down the price of our beef on the English market but, generally speaking, I think the overall outlook for our beef in the British market is good.
Surely the Minister will agree that prices in this country are lower than in any other exporting country in Europe today?