asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the heavy fall in the price of cattle; and whether he will indicate for the guidance of farmers what the prospects of the cattle trade are.

57.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the tendency towards lower prices for all kinds of beef and store cattle; and if he will indicate the cause of this, and the general outlook for this trade in the next six months.

With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

I am aware that a steep fall in cattle prices has taken place in recent months. Many reasons are advanced for this but the principal one is undoubtedly the long dry spell resulting in some areas in the almost complete disappearance of grass, the almost complete absence of water and the reduction in feed supplies. Those who have long and wide experiences of the trade appear to be satisfied that the prospects for the cattle trade are reasonably satisfactory.

The bottom has not fallen out of it, so.

Ná bí ag cainnt.