asked the Minister of Food why his Department will only buy stock cattle in Eire at prices below that given for such cattle in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland; and whether he is aware that this has led to large quantities of stock cattle being diverted to the Continent and caused an increase of cattle smuggling from Eire to Northern Ireland.

The prices paid by my Department for livestock from Eire are among matters now being discussed with the Eire Ministers.

Could the Minister say why previous efforts have not been made to get these cattle from Eire? Why has it been left to such a late date?

Discussions have been going on for some time. They have finally come to a head, and I hope we shall be able to make some very satisfactory statement soon.

Is it a fact that, owing to this dilatory behaviour, a large amount of meat has gone to the Continent?

That is not a fact. I think only five per cent. of the number of cattle coming to this country has gone to the Continent.