Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the average price of dropped calves in the principal markets of Northern Ireland in the months of July, August, September and October in 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively;
(2) what were the average prices paid for suckling calves in the principal suckling sales in September and October, in the years 1972, 1973, and 1974 in Northern Ireland, distinguishing between steers and heifers;
(3) how many cattle, and of what types, were imported for slaughter, into Northern Ireland from Eire during the months of June, July, August and September 1973, and for the same months of 1974;
(4) what are the estimated and final tonnages for hay and silage, and other fodder crops in Northern Ireland for 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively;
(5) what are the numbers, in cow equivalents, of cattle to be overwintered in Northern Ireland in the winter months of 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75 respectively;
(6) what was the price per ton of wheat, oats and barley, home grown, in Northern Ireland in the months of September and October in 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively; and what was the price of the same 81W cereals ex-quay for the same period in Northern Ireland;
(7) what is the estimated production of wheat, oats and barley in Northern Ireland in the harvests of 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively;
(8) what steps he is taking to resolve the present difficulties in the marketing of seed potatoes in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI will write to the hon. Member.