asked the Taoiseach if he will state the number and value of cattle exported to countries other than Great Britain (a) from 1st January to the end of September, 1955 and (b) from 1st January to the end of September, 1966, giving separate particulars in respect of each country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports.
7.
As details of cattle exports for September, 1966 will not be available for several weeks I propose, with your permission, Sir, to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the required information in respect of the period January-August, 1966 with comparative figures for January-August, 1955.
Following is the statement:
DOMESTIC exports of live cattle (permanently exported) to countries other than Great Britain in January-August, 1955 and 1966.
|
Country of Destination |
Quantity |
Value |
||
|
January-August |
January-August |
|||
|
1955 Number |
1966 Number |
1955 £ |
1966 £ |
|
|
The Six Counties |
98,759 |
95,342 |
5,220,963 |
5,513,398 |
|
Belgium |
4,037 |
8,217 |
191,542 |
662,027 |
|
Germany (Federal Republic) |
725 |
26,341 |
58,138 |
2,199,103 |
|
France |
— |
410 |
— |
41,000 |
|
Netherlands |
1,398 |
4,332 |
100,438 |
389,749 |
|
Switzerland |
72 |
435 |
5,000 |
38,425 |
|
United Arab Republic |
— |
6,713 |
— |
312,380 |
|
United States of America |
— |
2 |
— |
2,415 |
|
Argentina |
1 |
— |
1,300 |
— |
|
TOTAL |
104,992 |
141,792 |
5,577,381 |
9,158,497 |
Is it not true to say that there is a serious drop in the exports to these countries? In view of the fact that we are purchasing at least three to four times more from these countries than they are purchasing from us, does the Taoiseach or the Government intend to take any steps in the immediate future to increase our exports of cattle to these countries?
I doubt the accuracy of the Deputy's contention. The figure for January-August, 1955 was £5,577,381, as compared with £9,158,497 in the January-August period 1966.
That was 11 years.
Nearly double.