asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether, in view of the likelihood of a serious glut in the supply of small cattle next September and October, he will at this stage initiate a vigorous campaign, especially in British agricultural journals, outlining this country's agricultural market objectives, as there appears to be widespread prejudice on this matter in British agricultural circles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Campaign for Agricultural Markets.
3.
I have already arranged for the engagement of the services of a publicity consultant in Britain to promote the interests of Irish store cattle there, and I intend to take any other measures that seem useful and advisable.
There has been an ill-founded propaganda campaign against the Irish cattle trade in certain circles in Britain during the past year. Unfortunately, some of the blame for starting this must be attributed to some ill-advised sectional interests here who for their own selfish ends did not hesitate to put out false and misleading statements, which, of course, were taken up with alacrity on the other side of the Channel.
I think it appropriate also to refer to a statement issued yesterday in London by the National Farmers Union, which is most seriously misleading and greatly to be deplored. The fact of the matter is that the primary factor in the present British meat supply situation is the very big increase in British domestic production in recent years. For example, cattle numbers in Britain increased by no less than 650,000 head in the past couple of years. It is estimated in regard to British beef supplies in the second half of 1967 that there will be a fall in imports compared with the second half of 1966 but an increase in overall supplies due to the rise in British production.
The trade in cattle and beef between Ireland and Britain is governed by the Free Trade Area Agreement of 1965. Under that Agreement British import restrictions cannot be applied to Irish fat cattle and beef except in the context of the International Commodity Arrangement which applies not only to all supplying countries but to British home producers as well. There is no such Arrangement in existence. In fact, Nos. 14 and 15 of the Record of Understanding in connection with the Free Trade Area Agreement give British recognition to all exports of agricultural produce under the Second Programme for Economic Expansion and make special provision for maintaining access for them to that market.
The Free Trade Area Agreement, of course, like all such Agreements, confers advantages on both sides. The British National Farmers Union and other British interests in criticising the Agreement conveniently overlook the very substantial advantages accruing to British industrial exports under the Agreement.
Is the Minister aware of the feeling in Britain among agricultural experts that the Department is not doing enough to explain to the British public the position regarding our market objectives? Is he aware of this criticism of his Department's inactivity in this area?
The Deputy may have missed it but I said at the very outset of my answer that we are not only aware of this but I have already made arrangements for the employment of a publicity consultant in Britain, and no doubt this has been motivated by what the Deputy says is the understanding of the matter, that we do need more publicity to make clear our side of the situation in Britain.
Will agricultural organisations be circulated when the filling of this appointment comes up?
This appointment is already made.
Could the Minister say whether we have got any nearer to setting up a meat marketing board?
I should say that not only are we getting near to it but the setting up of a promotional board is imminent.
I should be glad to know that a genuine effort is being made here.
I am genuine about the promotional board and that might meet the Deputy's point.