asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the prospect of unemployment in the fresh meat trade arising from the export of cattle on the hoof to Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports.
46.
While there has been an increase in the number of live cattle exported to Europe this year the total number exported to all destinations is considerably less than in 1972. At the same time slaughterings at factories have been maintained at last year's level. On the basis of this trend continuing, employment in the meat trade should not be affected.
47.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to newspaper advertisements regarding contract buying of weanling bull calves for export; and if he will take steps to discourage this practice in the interests of the export trade for mature store and fat cattle and the maintenance of the supply of cattle for factories.
I have seen a press advertisement on the lines referred to. I have already made it known that I do not favour the export of young cattle from this country and I will take all steps available to me to discourage such exports. Under the Community system our powers in this regard are limited.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what steps he intends taking to stop or discourage exports of young cattle?
As the Deputy is aware, the steps that can be taken are limited. We can ask the EEC to have the duty preference for young cattle reduced or eliminated. This preference is at present neutralised by the operation of monetary compensatory amounts. There is also the question of free sale. If a farmer wants to sell cattle of 5 cwt. or 6 cwt. naturally we would like to discourage him from doing so, but we would not like to bring in some measure that would preclude him from selling. This is also tied up with the EEC regulations.
It would not be stopping a farmer from selling his cattle. Rather, it would be stopping certain individuals buying and exporting them. There are plenty of Irish farmers who would buy the cattle and keep them until they were mature. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree this would have a much more desirable effect and would ensure that the factories would get employment?
At the moment there is a demand in Italy for cattle of 5 to 6 cwt. These animals are admitted duty-free under EEC regulations and this will be continued until mid-September. We are anxious to discourage farmers from selling such cattle but the making of an order precluding them from doing so is not desirable.
The Parliamentary Secretary has intimated that, in general, the Government are against the export of immature cattle. Can the Parliamentary Secretary state what measures are contemplated to discourage the export of these cattle? The Parliamentary Secretary stated in his reply that they would discourage it in every way possible. I am asking him in what way.
We export the farmers not to do so.
Exhortation only? Are the Government prepared to use any other method?
I am calling Question No. 48.
I should like a reply to my question.
We believe in consulting the farmers and, as a result of such consultations——
Are other measures being contemplated by the Government besides exhortation?
Not at present.
What do the Government intend to do in the future?
We believe in consulting with the farmers.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary not make approaches to the exporters to discourage them? Naturally, a farmer will take the best price he can get for his animals. The person involved in this instance is the exporter and I suggest the Parliamentary Secretary should approach him and discourage him from exporting young cattle.
Is the export of these cattle not subject to licence? Is it not possible for the Parliamentary Secretary to refuse a licence in this case?
You would never think they had cut the calves' throats.
My interpretatation of the regulation is that under EEC conditions we cannot lay down a law precluding farmers from exporting such cattle to Italy if they so desire.
Do you want to?
I am sure that Deputy Gibbons and Deputy Crinion are aware of that—that now we are in the EEC we have to fall in with the rules.
The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise the subject matter of Question No. 47 on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.