§ 42. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect on fat cattle prices in this country the termination by the Irish Government on 30th November of their export subsidy has had.
§ Mr. HoyThe price of fat cattle stopped falling during the week beginning 14th November, that is some two weeks before the export subsidy in the Republic of Ireland came to an end. Since mid-November the price has slowly but steadily improved.
§ Mr. FarrWhile welcoming the information which the Minister has given, indicating that there has been some slight improvement, which may be due to this particular action, can he tell the House what consultations the Minister has had with the Irish Government in order to obtain an assurance from them that they will not reimpose an export subsidy without prior consultation with this country?
§ Mr. HoyMy right hon. Friend has said quite frequently to the House, even when this was first introduced, that he has made his opinions known to the Minister in Ireland.