HC Deb 14 February 1949 vol 461 c781
41. Sir R. Ross

asked the Minister of Food how many fat cattle were exported from Eire to Great Britain and the Continent respectively during last year; and how the numbers compare with the previous year.

Mr. Strachey

During 1948, Eire exported 18,621 fat cattle to Great Britain and 47,087 to the Continent. For the previous year the numbers were 49,698 and 57,847 respectively

Sir R. Ross

Is not the Minister aware that, despite the much advertised agricultural agreement with Eire, Eire is exporting a far larger proportion of fat cattle to the Continent and far fewer to this country than before?

Mr. Strachey

That is why we arranged with the Eire Government to limit their exports of cattle, both fat and store, to 10 per cent. of the total exports, beginning on 30th June next.

Sir R. Ross

But is not the Minister aware that things are getting much worse instead of better?

Mr. Strachey

That arrangement only comes into force on 30th June, so they could not very well be getting better now under that arrangement.