§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether his Department has received any evidence of the smuggling of fat cattle from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland in recent weeks; and if he will make an estimate of the difference in value of fat cattle between the Republic and Northern Ireland at the present time.
§ Mr. Adam Butler[pursuant to his reply, 3 February 1981, c. 106]: I am aware of the reports of smuggling of fat cattle. Customs and Excise officials have been active in identifying and taking action in respect of animals suspected of evading the monetary compensation amount (MCA) levy, which is payable on importation into Northern Ireland from the Republic.
The current difference in prices reported from the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is approximately equal to the United Kingdom MCA, that is £13.21 per 100 kg. liveweight.