asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will indicate (a) the numbers of traders with export licences for carcases for the U.S. trade; (b) the qualifications necessary to get a licence; (c) the present prices received for beef from the U.S.A.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carcase Export Licences.
Mr. Walsh
(a) The number of exporters receiving licences to send frozen meat to the U.S.A. is at present 31; (b) to receive such licences exporters must be registered under the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Acts in respect of premises meeting the requirements of the Acts and having the requisite refrigeration facilities; (c) the prices received for beef exported to the U.S.A. are negotiated between the exporter and U.S. importer in each case and my Department does not exercise any function in that regard. I am aware, however, that the general level of prices received is high.