asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will take steps to increase the prices being paid under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme for reactors; if he is satisfied that the prices paid represent market value; and if he will increase such prices as they are not sufficient to meet the cost of replacements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Reactor Cattle.
138.
I am satisfied that the prices being paid by my Department for reactors under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme are fair and reasonable and represent current market value, as defined in section 6 of the Diseases of Animals (Bovine Tuberculosis) Act, 1957. There can be no question of going beyond this. The maximum limit which for some years previous had been £80 for non-pedigree animals was increased to £100 with effect from 21st June last.
Does the Minister not agree that in practically all cases appeals were made by the farmers in regard to the prices being paid for reactors? Having regard to the number of appeals made, does the Minister not think there is a genuine case for an increase?
The average prices paid were: May, 1965, £58 to £91 and August, 1965, £56 to £88. There was a fair amount of appeals all right and, as a result of the increase in replacements, we increased the maximum limit from £80 to £100 with effect from 21st June last, as I have already said in my reply.
Does the Minister not agree that, with the purchasing power per animal, farmers are not satisfied with the prices being offered? I know a man who was offered last week £100 for a cow which was due to calve next March; her bull calf was sold at the Show last year for £150. He has been made two offers by inspectors, the first inspector offered him less and the second offered him £100. Surely these are not economic prices?
I took it the question referred to non-pedigree animals. If the Deputy would like to put down a question on the pedigree side——
Could the Minister do anything better on the pedigree side?
We find the highest average is £88.
Does the Minister think a farmer will make an appeal unless he has very good grounds for doing so?
Some farmers might.