asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to continue the practice begun on the 14th February, of allotting all export licences to live stock feeders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Live-stock Feeders' Export Licences.
Owing to the difficulty of making a frequent census of the number of fat cattle ready for sale on individual farms it is proposed to discontinue the system of allocating fat stock licences to feeders after the end of June.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask who he consulted in arriving at this decision and if he is not aware that when the quota system started first, at the beginning of this year, licences were allocated by his Department to the shippers, and the Minister, on representations being made, agreed that, in principle and in equity, the feeders should get those licences? Will he say now who was consulted and on whose opinion he is acting in changing his mind? Are we to understand that his Department, for the keeping up of which he was yesterday voted £615,000, is unable to take a census of the fat stock in this country and allocate licences to the feeders during the summer as well as during the winter months?
Dr. Ryan
In reply to the Deputy's question, I am acting on my own opinion.
Will the Minister then give reasons as to why he has changed the practice and is making a present of at least £5 apiece to each shipper by handing the licences to them and allowing them to buy cattle on a market which is saturated with fat cattle? There will be a market for about 50 per cent. but for the other 50 per cent. of fat cattle, there is no market and if he gives licences to dealers to buy those cattle and ship them to the English market, they can go in and buy cattle at scrap prices at the farmers' expense. Will he give reasons as to why he has decided to give that privilege to the shippers at the expense of the farmers?
Dr. Ryan
The Deputy's forecast is just as likely to be wrong now as it was last January.
Do I understand that it is the Minister's intention to give all the licences solely to the shippers?
Dr. Ryan
Yes, that is right.
That is the policy for the future?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
In view of the unsatisfactory reply of the Minister, I wish to give notice that I will raise this matter on the adjournment.