asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the very serious adverse effect which the contiued export of cattle on the hoof is having on employment in our tanneries and boot and shoe factories, he will consider retaining the maximum number of cattle in the country with a view to having them exported as canned, carcassed and processed meat.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Cattle.
My policy is to encourage in every way possible the export of beef in carcass, canned and processed forms, and there has, in fact, been a big expansion in such exports. Total exports of carcass beef and canned beef during the year 1950 were approximately 15,500 tons as compared with 8,500 tons approximately during the year 1949; 5,000 tons approximately during the year 1948, and 6,300 tons approximately in 1947. Exports could be raised still higher if a reasonable price were paid for native hides which have at present to be sold at a mere fraction of the world price, but which under an arrangement with this Government inherited from its predecessors, are subsidising the boot, shoe and leather industry in the amount of over £1,000,000 per annum.
Cannot the Government change that?
Would the Deputy make his suggestion as to who is to recoup the cost of boots and shoes to the public?
Cannot the Minister change that?
Yes, if the Deputy advocates an increase of the price of boots and shoes by 50 per cent.
Are you for it or against it?
That is up to the Minister.
May I ask the Minister a supplementary question?
Yes, but not on a point of order.
Does the Minister want it both ways—dear hides and cheap shoes?
No.
Apparently the Minister is trying to do that.
Our predecessor put that lovely scheme into operation.
Does the Minister favour retaining the present scheme or altering it?
Anything for which Deputy Lemass was responsible, I favour abolishing it, because it is fundamentally rotten.
Are you going to abolish this arrangement?
I hope so.