asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been directed to a statement by the National Federation of Meat Traders in which beef exported from Ireland has been classed with beef imports from the Argentine and Uruguay as inferior and dangerous, because of unnatural tenderisation; if he has any knowledge of such pre-slaughter treatment of Irish beef cattle; and, if so, what action he proposes to take.

I have seen Press references to this matter. Pre-slaughter treatment of cattle with tenderising agents is not taking place at Irish meat export premises and carcase beef exported to Britain is not subjected to any tenderising process.

Has the Minister's attention been directed to this rumour which Deputy Moher says is widespread? Does he believe it is widespread and, if so, does he not think it necessary to take effective publicity measures to correct it?

The only evidence I have is the reports which appeared in some English papers and in some papers here of discussions which took place between members of the meat organisation in Britain. You always find some individual in any organisation prone to make extravagant statements for one reason or another.

Does the Minister not think it would be desirable, as allegations of that kind have been published in English papers, that the Embassy should be asked, through the Trade Representative in London, to offer a correction to these trade papers?

We have, in fact, taken that step.