asked the Minister for Agriculture in view of the increasing demand for lean meat in our British and continental markets, and in the light of the fact that at present we are taking the lowest prices for lamb on the French market because so much of our lamb is over-fat, the measures being considered to change our production here to encourage more quality carcases.
Written Answers. - Lamb Exports.
793.
The French consumer demands prime quality lean lamb and is prepared to pay premium prices for this. It is, therefore, in the interests of Irish producers to meet this demand since this is our main export outlet. Lamb exports from Ireland to France up to mid-October 1984 were almost 30 per cent higher than in the same period last year. The most welcome feature in this trend is that there is an increasing emphasis on early lamb production. This demonstrates that producers here are, in the main, aware of and are, in fact, meeting French requirements and that the breeds of sheep available here are suitable for the production of the type of lamb required.
In the mid to late season there is a tendancy for producers to hold on to lamb for too long with the result that the lamb coming on the market may be too heavy and fat. If this unfavourable practice is to be avoided it will be necessary for the trade to realise that the best interests of this valuable export industry can be served only by marketing lambs at the right time in order to avoid incurring penalties by means of lower prices. The main inducement for producers will continue to be the price obtained on the market and the responsibility for ensuring proper marketing arrangements must rest primarily with exporters. My Department have always supported improvements in both production and marketing standards,
794.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can confirm suggestions that the export trade for lambs is being seriously undermined by the UK device of labelling British lamb as ewe meat, thereby avoiding the variable premium drawback; and if he thinks it appropriate to take steps to close the dangerous loophole arising from the lack of drawback on British mutton exports.
The matter referred to by the Deputy has already been communicated to the EC Commission by trade interests. It is now a matter for the Commission to decide on what investigations may be necessary. Further action must await the outcome of the Commission's examination of the matter.