Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the extent of illegal movement of cattle from the United Kingdom into the Republic of Ireland; what are its implications for dead meat plants in Northern Ireland; what incentive encourages this movement of livestock; whether he has drawn it to the attention of the European Commission; what proposals he has to bring this trade to an end; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanIt is not possible to determine the extent of illegal exports of cattle from the United Kingdom into the Republic of Ireland, since such movements can be established only when detected by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. When there are high negative monetary compensatory amounts (MCAs) chargeable on exports of agricultural produce from the United Kingdom, there is an incentive to export such products illegally. The MCA charge on finished cattle exports to the Republic of Ireland has been around £75 a head in recent weeks, but from 14 May it will be reduced to less than £30 a head following the devaluation agreed in the price fixing. The European Commission is well aware of the problems created in recent years by high MCAs on trade in cattle and other agricultural produce across the Irish land border. Her Majesty's Customs and Excise is responsible for prevention of MCA fraud and is vigilant in its efforts to 463W prevent illegal movements across the frontier. Any substantial movement of finished cattle from Northern Ireland for slaughter in the Republic of Ireland must have the effect of reducing the supply of stock available for 464W slaughter at meat plants in Northern Ireland and the consequential reduction in supply could increase the level of producer prices payable in Northern Ireland.