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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 May 1967

Vol. 228 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Cattle Prices.

8.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the sudden drop of at least 10/-per cwt. in beef prices on the Dublin market on Wednesday, 17th May, last.

The principal factors responsible for the decline in fat cattle prices at Dublin Market on 17th May, were the weaker market conditions for imported carcase beef in Britain during recent weeks, the larger supplies of fat cattle on offer, and the effects of recent weather conditions on the demand for cattle generally.

I may say that some Press reports attributing the decline to a tightening-up of the grading standards applied to carcase beef by my Department's staff at the meat factories are incorrect.

Is it not a fact that there was no change in the price of carcase beef in Britain?

There was a drop on the market last week.

According to all the newspaper reports——

Smithfield was down 2d a pound last week.

Would the Minister say if he denies grading has anything to do with it and is it a fact that we have no qualified graders in this country?

I did not say graders had anything to do with it. What I said was that I rejected the reports attributing the decline to a tightening-up of the grading standards applied to carcase beef by my Department's staff at the meat factories.

Is the report that British graders came over here and did not grade a great deal of our beef correct?

No; I do not agree that is so.

Was the percentage downgraded increased last week?

I could not tell the Deputy.

The papers said it was.

As I say, I cannot deal with everything the papers say.

A difference of five per cent to 35 per cent.

That is the figure.

Deputy Clinton can quote the figures. I am not necessarily agreeing with his figures.

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