asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the British beef subsidy increase has been reduced in Ireland by 1d per pound; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Beef Subsidy.
25.
Following the recent increase in the British cattle price support for 1969-70 by the equivalent of 3d per lb. deadweight, the Government here decided that 2d per lb. of that increase would be given in respect of the export support for Irish carcase beef.
In view of the fact that we are trying to promote beef production and that they are also producing more beef in the North of Ireland, would the Minister explain why he has decided to cut down?
It is not a question of cutting down. The Government recently decided to increase the subsidy on dead meat exported from this country by 2d per lb approximately. If this is taken in the context of Britain giving an increase of 15s per cwt. liveweight in support of the deficiency payment it does not follow that, because they increased the support by 15s per cwt. liveweight, we have reduced something. We have, in fact, increased the deadweight support by 2d per lb. on meat going out to the British market and, because of that increase of 2d per lb, there is no disadvantage in the intake into our factories here. They are not in a worse position relative to their main competitor, the store cattle trade.
The store cattle are the boys that benefited and thanks be to God for 1948.
We will leave that rest.
(Interruptions.)
Order.