asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how much has been spent to date of the amount provided under Subhead C.1. of the 1971-72 Estimates for his Department on cattle performance testing and weight recording; if he will outline the way in which the money was spent; and if the results have been satisfactory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Performance Testing.
7.
Up to today, £4,770 has been spent on weight recording, mainly on operating costs of mobile scales and the provision of equipment. There was no expenditure out of this subhead on cattle performance testing.
The weight recording service is designed to enable pedigree breeders to base their selection of breeding stock on growth potential through regular weighings in their herds. The service is widely availed of by the pedigree breeders.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate the proportion of the amount voted which has been expended to date?
A sum of £22,000 was provided and £18,000 was for cattle performance testing.
A sum of £18,000?
Yes, for cattle performance testing.
The Parliamentary Secretary said £4,770.
But there is performance testing as well. The Deputy asked a question about weight recording. The amount spent to date on that is £4,770. The Deputy's question relates to performance testing as well. In that case, the sum provided is £18,000.