asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will outline the policy proposals considered by him and the British Minister for Agriculture to provide for a more orderly marketing of cattle in Britain.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports.
14.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement in regard to his discussions with Mr. Fred Peart, British Minister for Agriculture; if he is satisfied that progress was made in these talks; if he will comment on discussions which are taking place between the Governments of Ireland, Britain and Denmark about the possibility of making a concerted approach to the EEC on cattle exports in view of the fact that all three countries were badly hit last year by the prohibitive import levies on cattle imposed by the EEC; and what form of exemption he expects this year.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together. The British Minister and I had a general discussion, which we were satisfied was very useful and constructive for both of us, on a number of agricultural matters of interest to our two countries. During our discussion, we reviewed the trade in agricultural products under the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement, with particular reference to meat and livestock.
May I draw the attention of the Chair to the fact that the loudspeakers are not working and we cannot hear the Minister for Agriculture?
And he has not got a built-in one today.
I would lend it to the Deputy if I had, should he need it. Does the Deputy wish me to commence again?
Please.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together. The British Minister and myself had a general discussion, which we were satisfied was very useful and constructive for both of us, on a number of agricultural matters of interest to our two countries. During our discussion we reviewed the trade in agricultural products under the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement with particular reference to meat and livestock. As regards the latter, we discussed the marketing of cattle and beef in Britain, including exports from this country as well as the factors beyond the control of either Government which were a main cause of the difficulties that affected the market in the the second half of last year.
We discussed the possibilities of improvements in the situation during 1967 and are to keep in close contact in this regard. Mr. Peart and I also arranged to have a further discussion in a couple of months' time.
As regards the discussions between Ireland, Britain and Denmark on cattle exports to the EEC, representatives of the three countries have had meetings in recent months about the very adverse effects on their markets of the virtual cessation of imports of cattle and beef into the EEC as a result of the high levies imposed. This matter is being pursued in the context of the Kennedy Round negotiations in the GATT but it is not possible to say at this stage whether any improvement for Irish cattle exports to the EEC is likely to be obtained.
In the course of those discussions, did the Minister explore the possibility of having the beef quota increased, in view of the fact that we had filled the figure in the first six months?
Yes, I raised that in a particular way.
Is the Minister hopeful that there will be——
I am not expressing any hopes; I am merely answering the question.
That is a change.
Can the Minister give us any indication whether from his discussions with Mr. Peart there emerged any prospects or hopes for small farmers who appear to have on their hands at present a surplus of cattle under 18 months and is he of opinion that the present critical and disastrous situation for farmers in that situation in congested areas has any prospect of early relief?
I do not agree with the conditions as described by the Deputy and, therefore, I do not think I should be called on to answer the other hypothetical question.
Surely the Minister is aware that throughout the congested areas there are great numbers of small farmers who come within the category I have described who have cattle which they find are wholly unsaleable as there are no purchasers for them?
I do not know of anywhere at the moment where there are healthy cattle, big or small, which are unsaleable.
At give-away prices.
I believe the Minister does know.
The Minister does not know.
Then the Minister is out of touch with reality.
I certainly am not.