§ Mr. William Edwardsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek discussions with the Irish Governments on methods of alleviating the position of the domestic store cattle producers in areas such as West Wales where large numbers of Irish store cattle are being brought on to the market.
§ Mr. PeartIt is in the interests of our farmers that a high proportion of Irish cattle should come to this country as stores for finishing here; and the trade do their best to ensure that they are well distributed. Imports so far this year have been greater than in the same months of 1966 though fewer than is envisaged in the Free Trade Agreement signed last year. Prices of Irish and home bred first quality 18 months old stores at 44 representative markets in England and Wales suggest that these arrivals have been making prices comparable with those of 1964 and 1965.
§ Mr. William Edwardsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, during his discussions, he will seek to ensure that the Irish Government do not take any steps this year to subsidise export of cattle.
§ Mr. PeartI have had a series of discussions with the Minister of Agriculture of the Irish Republic on cattle and beef supplies. The talks are still going on, and I cannot properly comment at this stage on the particular matters that they cover.