§ Mr. KILBRIDEasked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in order to safeguard against loss farmers who winter feed cattle, it has been calculated that, owing to the present price of feeding-stuffs and farm produce, the price of beef on 1st April would need to be 15s. per cwt. live-weight more than the live-weight price paid for store cattle on 1st November or five months winter feeding; and whether farmers who are endeavouring to prevent a beef famine in the spring months will be assured against a loss?
§ Major ASTORI have considered the calculation which the hon. Member was good enough to send me. It estimates the cost of a bullock on 1st November at 70s. per live cwt. I am advised that 68s. would be a more accurate estimate, but, taking the Kildare Farmers' Association's own figures, in view of the fact that the price for first-grade fat cattle in April has been fixed at 83s. per live cwt., it would appear2520W that farmers will be sufficiently compensated for their endeavours to prevent a beef famine in the spring.