HC Deb 15 November 1976 vol 919 c354W
Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list on a weekly basis and by category the numbers of live cattle imported into Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland since 31st August 1976 until the latest available date giving for each category and week the MCAs paid by weight and in total.

Mr. John Silkin

The numbers of cattle from the Irish Republic inspected on arrival in Great Britain and the rates of MCA payable were as follows:

Republic's MCA is collected at the time of export and that the United Kingdom MCA is paid at a later date when the authorities in the Republic are satisfied that payment is due. It would be inappropriate for me to try to estimate the normal interval between date of export and the date of payment by the Republic authorities.

There have been no exports of beef from Great Britain to the Irish Republic in the past year and none of cattle apart from breeding stock.