asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he proposes to have any further meeting with the British Minister for Agriculture with a view to resolving the present difficulties in the Irish cattle trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Trade Difficulties.
9.
I intend to maintain close contacts with the British Minister on all agricultural questions of mutual concern.
Is the Minister aware there is a difference of 40/- to 50/- per cwt. between the price the British farmer is getting and the price the Irish farmer is getting here? Does the Minister intend to do anything to resolve that position? Does he know that it is impossible in rural Ireland to sell small cattle?
There does not seem to be any connection between that and the question on the Paper.
There is a difference of 40/- to 50/- a cwt.
The Deputy knows we cannot discuss all aspects of agricultural policy on this simple question.
Is anything being discussed with the British Government at the present time?
As I have said, all that can be done between myself and my opposite number in Britain will be done.
I hope the Minister will do better than his predecessor because, when his predecessor promised an increase, cattle prices fell.
He did not promise.
He certainly did, and the small farmers——
There is no point in trying to mislead the small farmers as to what my predecessor said.
He said cattle prices would increase by £5 to £7.
That is not what he said.
This does not arise on this simple question.