asked the Minister for Agriculture if in view of the heavy cost to the country of the attesting of herds he will secure, or negotiate to secure, a long term agreement with the United Kingdom for a minimum of ten years so that this country and the farmers may be assured of a stable market for exports for an extended period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Export Agreement.
I do not consider the negotiation of an agreement of the nature suggested by the Deputy to be necessary at present. The overall trade position with Britain is kept under constant review.
Could the Minister indicate how long this present agreement will stand?
I think it is due for revision in 1959, but I am not exactly sure about that.
That is not very long, is it, if we are going to spend £10,000,000 on the eradication of bovine T.B.?