§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent he estimates the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement has encouraged an increase in the average number of cattle imported weekly from the Irish Republic ; and whether he is satisfied that Northern Ireland ports are not being selected for use by Eire cattle dealers in order to mislead the Government about the true size of the Eire cattle export trade to Great Britain.
§ Mr. BishopThe relevant provisions of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement recognise the traditional nature of the live cattle trade and the close integration of the cattle industries of both countries. Toal cattle imports from the Republic so far this year are no higher than were normal before 1973 when imports were abnormally low.
As regards the second part of the Question, the Imported Livestock Order 1958 requires all cattle imported into the United Kingdom to be marked in a prescribed manner. Cattle from the Irish Republic consigned to Great Britain through Northern Ireland ports are thus clearly identifiable.