asked the Taoiseach the number of stores exported to the United Kingdom in the first six months of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Stores.
1.
Domestic exports of store cattle to Great Britain and the Six Counties in the period July-December, 1966, numbered 191,624.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that there appeared to have been a greater demand for processed beef than for store beef in the United Kingdom and would the Government accordingly not consider so directing their policy?
We are directing every effort towards the processing of meat. The export figures for the corresponding period last year show only a drop of fewer than 1,500 head——
That is not even half the quota or anywhere near it. That ratio of exports in a full year, at less than 200,000, has to be put against 600,000——
It is not the fault of the Government.
Surely the foresight and the policy of the Government in relation to beef exports are entirely wrong? They have not got up to date with the changing circumstances. I hope the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is listening.
I am listening but none the wiser.
If the Deputy will put down a question for next week, I will give him the figures for processed beef.