asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the alarming decline in the live-stock population over the past year resulting in a decrease in the number of cows by 23,800, of cattle under one year by 58,500, of cattle over one year and under two years by 14,800, making a total decrease of 97,100; and, if so, if he will indicate what he proposes to do to check this serious threat to the foundation of our national economy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decline in Live-Stock Population.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the grave position that is likely to arise as a result of the decline in the number of cows, calves and young cattle, and if any special measures are being adopted to promote the increased breeding and raising of live stock.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
The fluctuations shown in the numbers of dairy and young cattle in the preliminary census statement for June, 1952, as compared with June, 1951, are not of a magnitude to give ground for alarm. The total number of cattle in 1952 was the third highest in the last 30 years.
Amongst the measures being taken to promote increased live-stock production are arrangements to secure the best possible prices for live stock and meat exports, improved breeding practices, including the development of artificial insemination with high-class bulls, and extension of the use of veterinary remedies to combat live-stock diseases, such as contagious abortion, parasitic infection, etc.
Do I take it from the Minister's reply that he thinks this decrease should not be viewed with alarm? Does the Minister seriously suggest to the House that a decrease of 97,100 in the number of live stock in the country, which includes 24,000 cows, that you might say are the foundation of the industry, is not a serious matter? His only remedy, apparently, is to increase the export of our live stock and of our people. It is not a laughing matter.
Is the Minister aware that the decline in the number of cows last year follows on a more serious decline in the preceding year? Is the Minister aware that these declines followed an announcement by his predecessor that he would reduce the price of milk? Does the Minister not think that there is some relation between these facts?
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that in the case of stock of two or three years and upwards, there has been an increase according to the journal issued by his own Department of some 26,400 which shows the result of the work of the inter-Party Government?
Mr. Walsh
If the Deputy would look at the statistics for the past 100 years——
100 years!
Mr. Walsh
——he will find that the same fluctuations have occurred, not merely in respect of two or three years, but over the whole of that period.
Can the Minister explain the reason for the increase of 26,400 in the case of cattle of two years and upwards? In view of the fact that the Minister states that it is of no importance to lose 97,100 of our live stock in one year in which the Department was under his control, I shall ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to allow me to raise this matter on the adjournment.
As one of these questions was in my name, I desire to say that I should also like to have an opportunity of raising this matter on the adjournment.