asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fluctuating prices in the live-stock market in recent weeks, he is in a position to give any indication as to the future trends of such prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Live-stock Prices.
It would be over-venturesome for me to attempt to predict the actual course of live-stock prices in the future. As to the general trends, however, it would seem that cattle prices this year are, on the whole, tending to follow the normal pattern of other years, that is, a relatively steady rise in prices from the time the autumn and early winter flush of supplies has passed to a peak price in the late spring, followed by a relatively gradual decline as increased supplies of grass-fed cattle tend to reach the market. In the case of store cattle, there is, of course, the price link between our stores fattened in Britain and British home-bred fat stock. The changes made this year in the British system of guarantee payments, by providing an increased measure of stability for British producers, should react advantageously to producers here.
Sheep and lamb prices this year have, so far, been showing improved rates as compared with the past few years. It is hoped that this trend will be maintained. As in the case of store cattle, our store sheep fattened in the Six Counties or Britain have the benefit of the link with the guaranteed prices under the British fat-stock scheme.
While pig prices continue to fluctuate, producers have the assurance that, no matter what variations may occur, prices of top quality pigs cannot fall below the minimum rates prescribed for such classes.