asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on the prospects for the cattle trade for the rest of this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Trade.
48.
Any forecast of Irish cattle prices implies a forecast of the prices in the countries to which we export. We have not at present any definite forecasts of those prices either in the UK or in the other EEC countries but the commission are preparing a study of trends in member countries which is expected to be available for the meeting of the council next week.
I was not very concerned with the EEC statistics on this matter. Would the Minister, with all the authority of his office, assure farmers that the prospects for the cattle trade are satisfactory for the remainder of the year and thus discount rumours to the contrary that are circulating throughout the country?
I think the Deputy knows the danger of a Minister giving an authoritative forecast of this kind because so many things can happen to upset the apple-cart as the year goes on. As the Deputy knows, this year we have a large number of cattle in the country and a small number have been exported. It is easy enough to flood a market at a particular time and, as a result, the price goes down. I am sure the Deputy will be glad to know that the price is up today.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.