§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is aware of the position in some abattoirs in Northern Ireland where Northern Ireland beasts cannot be slaughtered because priority is not being given to them because many beasts are brought up from the Irish Republic for slaughter; and if he will take steps to end this situation.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesYes. I understand that the Ulster Farmers' Union has discussed the difficulties of its members with the meat plant owners. As a result, priority is now being given to the slaughter of animals bred in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture has carried out a check which shows that the number of imported animals being handled by meat plants has dropped to a negligible proportion of the total.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many beasts could not be slaughtered when brought to the various abattoirs in Northern Ireland because of no facilities being available, during the past four weeks.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesFarmers have experienced considerable delay in having their animals slaughtered at abattoirs in Northern Ireland. The figures requested are, however, not available.