asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state, for the latest date for which figures are available and for the corresponding date in 1966, the average price paid for fat cattle (a) in Ireland and (b) in Britain; and if he will give the reasons (i) for the increasing gap between British and Irish prices and (ii) for the decline in cattle prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Prices.
8.
During the week ended 1st July, 1967, the average price for fat cattle of all kinds at Dublin Market and the provisional market price in the United Kingdom for fat cattle within the standard required under the Fatstock Guarantee Scheme there were 139/- and 150/11 per cwt liveweight, respectively. The prices in the corresponding week of 1966 were 164/- and 189/10 per cwt. liveweight respectively.
The gap between the Dublin Market price and the U.K. market price has decreased in recent weeks and, as shown by the foregoing figures, is less than it was a year ago. A seasonal decline in market prices at this time of the year is a normal feature of the cattle industry both here and in Britain.
In the confusion, Deputy L'Estrange wanted to ask a question on Question No. 7.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary not give any reason for the delay and why is he trying to ram this through as he is ramming through the Marts Bill?
The Marts Bill is not being rammed through.
On Question No. 8, is this not of great importance? When do you intend to make an announcement? Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that the present gap of between 20/- and 30/- —and over it in some cases—should exist, in view of the promises made when the Free Trade Agreement was signed with Britain last year? Is it reasonable that it should be there?
This is due to a reasonable decline in cattle prices at this time of the year, and the increased tariffs by the EEC countries since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement did affect the issue.
We are not considering EEC prices now; we are considering what the Irish farmer is getting, and the difference between what the Irish farmer is getting and the price being paid in Britain.
The Deputy is not asking a question.
I want to know why there is a difference of 25/- to 40/-now, and before the Agreement there was only a difference of 17/6 to 25/-. Where is the extra £1 per cwt. going?
As I have already explained, the increased tariffs by the EEC countries have materially affected the issue here.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary realises that that is completely wrong? I am talking about the price paid to the Irish farmer and the price the same people get for the produce in Britain; the differential has increased from 25/- to 30/- and, in some cases, to 45/-. I want to know where that extra £1 is going. The farmer is not getting it. Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us any idea of where it is going at present? The EEC prices have nothing to do with it.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what steps, if any, are being taken to reduce this differential?
The Minister for Agriculture and the Minister of Agriculture in Britain have been in consultation and will be, in the very near future again; this matter is under consultation with them.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the outcome of these discussions is still the same because I have tried to get it announced here in the House on two occasions?
The discussions are not, as yet, finalised; when they are the Deputy may be assured he will be told of them.