asked the Minister for Agriculture if any steps are being taken with a view to increasing the export of dressed beef from this country to Italy, and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export to Italy of Dressed Beef.
The export of carcase beef to Italy has in fact been increased substantially in 1957. For the first nine months of that year exports amounted to over 29,400 cwt., as compared with 2,950 cwt. in the whole of 1956 and nil in 1955 and 1954.
The import of carcase beef into Italy is not subject to quota control and the development of our export to that market therefore depends mainly on the trend of prices there. Our meat exporters, who have acquired considerable experience of continental markets in recent years, keep in close touch with market developments and avail of every opportunity to increase their sales. Every possible assistance is given by my Department which maintains close contact with exporters, and by the Legation in Rome.
I understand that refrigerated shipping to continental ports is now more readily available than in previous years and this has also facilitated the expansion of the trade.