(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to the statement attributed to Mr. Wm. Edwards, MP., in the British House of Commons to the effect that Irish Government statistics about the export of cattle for slaughter to the United Kingdom are not correct, and that cattle on which the temporary fat cattle subsidy has been paid are afterwards sold as stores in Great Britain; whether he has made enquiries in the matter; and if he will make a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports to Britain.
34.
The statistics referred to, which were in a statement circulated by the Irish Embassy in London to members of the British House of Commons on 31st October, were the correct official figures.
The temporary scheme of headage payments on fat cattle exported to Britain applies to cattle which are of certain appropriate minimum weights and of suitable slaughter standards. All cattle presented under the scheme are examined by officers of my Department at the time of export and only those which comply with the weight and quality specifications laid down in the scheme are passed for headage payments.