asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has had a conference recently with parties in this country interested in the export of chilled and carcase meat, and, if so, if he will state the nature of the proposals put before him for his consideration, and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to alleviate the serious position in which the industry finds itself; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the freight rates charged by British Railways for the consignment of carcase and chilled meat, the sale of such meat is rendered an uneconomic proposition, and, if so, he will take steps to have the freight rates adjusted or to have Irish ships provided to cater for the trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Chilled and Carcase Meat.
A further meeting between the interests concerned was recently arranged under the auspices of my Department. Certain proposals were then made to the Irish Fresh Meat Exporters' Committee by the Irish and British Traffic Conference with a view to an amelioration of the position. As these proposals are still under consideration by the trade, I am not in a position to add anything further at the moment.
Would the Minister state if it was brought to his attention that the freight rates for carcase or chilled meats from Ireland to Britain are similar to those charged from the Argentine to Britain and would he inform us if he has under consideration the latter part of my question, whereby Irish Shipping would be enabled to furnish these facilities for such carcases and chilled meats?
I cannot say that I adverted particularly to a comparison between the freight rates on Irish fresh or chilled meats exported from Dublin to British ports and freight rates charged on Argentine meat exported from Buenos Aires to Britain. I can assure the Deputy that every aspect of the situation has been under very careful review as between the parties which are the Traffic Conference and the Irish Fresh Meat Exporters' Committee. The Deputy may rest assured that every assistance that it is possible for the Department of Agriculture to give to solve the difference between these parties will be given.
Further arising from the Minister's reply, is he aware that it is the definite policy of the British Government at the present time to squeeze Ireland out of this trade in order that Irish cattle on the hoof——
That is a separate question.
I am not so aware.
The Minister must be the only person in the country not so aware.