HC Deb 26 July 1967 vol 751 cc721-2
16. Mr. Hawkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assurances he has received from the Irish Government in relation to the fulfilment of their undertaking to supply 638.000 store cattle per annum.

Mr. Peart

The Free Trade Area Agreement itself provides for the Irish Republic to use their best endeavours to send us 638,000 store cattle in the calendar year. The first full calendar year has not yet been completed, but the number may be within 10 per cent. of the target.

Mr. Hawkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the cattle coming in are, in fact, store and not fat cattle?

Mr. Peart

All the advice I have from my officers in the regions confirms that there is no—how shall I put it?—getting round the regulations. If the hon. Gentleman has any evidence, I shall have it looked into.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is it not a fact that between 1st July, 1966 and 31st May, 1967 the Eire Government had to default the agreement by about 160,000 store cattle because of the high rate of subsidy in respect of Eire meat plants, and is not this damaging also to Northern Ireland? What is the Minister doing about it?

Mr. Peart

On the question of stores, we are dealing here with a normal trade between individual dealers and producers. It is difficult to control it. On the other hand, we had an assurance of best endeavours under the Treaty that the figure would be achieved. I am glad that the present figure is an improvement on the figures we saw last year.