asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the total amount of beef subsidy paid out at the latest available date.
44.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Subsidy.
43.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the names of firms in receipt of moneys under the beef subsidy scheme, and the amount paid to each under this scheme.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
A total of £259,135 was paid to 28 licensed meat exporters during the period from 1st February, 1965, to 21st October, 1966, in respect of support payments on eligible carcase beef exports to Britain.
The amounts paid to individual exporters are related directly to the volume of their exports. It is not the practice to disclose information of this kind about the affairs of private concerns.
Is the Minister aware that the cattle exporters stated at their meeting last night that this subsidy is causing undue harm and that the dumping of cattle is responsible for the decline in the prices at present and, also, that it is infuriating the British farmers and turning them against the Irish store cattle trade?
That is a ridiculous argument which is put forward by our enemies in the United Kingdom. In fact, between dead meat and fat cattle, we account for only five per cent of the total British consumption and it is patently absurd to suggest that any exports from this country could affect the market in Britain to the extent that has been suggested.
Rational or irrational, have we not for the first time in 30 years, precipitated meetings of British farmers in Great Britain, in England and Scotland, for the purpose of boycotting Irish cattle exports? Whether rational or irrational, it is disastrous.
Question No. 45, by Deputy Treacy.