With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 7, 8, 9 and 10 together.
During my meeting with the British Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 7th July, we had a useful discussion on a wide range of aspects of the trade in store cattle, fat cattle and carcase beef between the two countries. We decided that certain questions arising out of our discussion should be considered immediately by officials and a meeting of Irish and British officials was held in Dublin on 11th July for this purpose. The further action to be taken will be decided upon after consideration of the officials' reports and I shall make a statement in the matter as soon as possible.
Fat cattle prices here are, of course, already supported by the subsidy on exports of carcase beef. As to the prospects for the cattle trade, I would point out that exports in the first half of this year have shown a very substantial increase on exports in the first half of 1966. Total exports of cattle, live and dead, have in fact been approximately 200,000 head higher than in the corresponding period of 1966. I am aware that the demand for young cattle is slack but the increased export marketings of mature cattle, to which I have referred, will help to provide an outlet for these younger animals.