asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the average price paid for fat bullocks at Dublin market on the 19th and 20th June 1966, and the price paid at the Dublin cattle market at the latest available date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bullock Prices.
74.
The average range of liveweight prices for fat bullocks, excluding secondary animals, at Dublin Market on 22nd June, the market date nearest to the dates mentioned by the Deputy, was 170/- to 177/- per cwt. At the market on 26th October, the range was 123/- to 128/- per cwt.
I may mention that this fall was less than the fall in fat cattle prices at markets in either England, Scotland or Northern Ireland over the same period. I would also point out that because of seasonal variations it is not appropriate to compare cattle market prices in June and October of any year.
Is the Minister aware that last May he told us that cattle prices would rise after 1st June by from £5 to £7? He has now informed us that cattle prices have dropped by £15 to £20. Can he give us any explanation for that? Further, can the Minister inform us why cattle have dropped a further £5 per head in the past month, since the date he told the farmers of Ireland to hold on to their cattle? Does he now give the same advice to the farmers, despite the fact that cattle prices are still dropping?
It is no good Deputy L'Estrange weeping and wailing about this matter. We are faced with a difficult situation, with a very weak market for cattle and beef all over Europe. I want to point out to Deputy L'Estrange —and this is important—that the fall between 20th June, 1966 and 21st October, 1966, was less in our case than it was in the United Kingdom generally—Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Could the Minister's experts or advisers not have informed him of that last May when he was making the promises to the farmers of Ireland and could they not have informed him one month ago when he was advising the farmers of Ireland to hold on to their cattle?
I did not make any promises.