asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why during the spring period of beef scarcity there has been a price gap of approximately 30/- per cwt. between the average price of fat cattle in Ireland and farmer returns for beef in the United Kingdom; and what are his plans to overcome this loss to the Irish farmer and to the national economy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Prices.
8.
The reason for the difference between the average market prices for fat cattle here and those for fat cattle in the UK were set out fully in reply to a question on 2nd March.
Will any steps be taken in relation to the disparity between the price paid to Irish farmers for beef and the price being secured by the British farmers?
Without wishing to labour the position, the cost of transport to Britain is an obvious thing.
Ten shillings.
Also the average price quoted here is the price for all fat cattle, whereas in the United Kingdom the average price relates only to cattle of guaranteed scheme standard. As well as everything else, an unfair comparison is being drawn.
Nobody agrees with that but the Parliamentary Secretary.