asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the failure of British Rail to provide adequate rail connections for Irish cattle exports in England was a factor in diminishing the support given by the Irish cattle shippers to the B & I and British Rail consortium; and, if so, if he has taken any action to have the rail connections improved.

It appears that the pattern of the trade has changed in recent years, from large consignments sent by rail to markets, to smaller consignments sent direct by road to the ultimate buyer and that direct road haulage from port to farm is more attractive for the new type of operation. Nevertheless, in an effort to meet the change in needs, the consortium has laid on road haulage connections from various rail points in Britain. I am informed, moreover, that in recent months the demand for onward rail transport for Irish cattle in Britain has fallen far short of the rail facilities provided by the British Rail/ B & I consortium.

Is the Minister satisfied that consignments of cattle were not kept waiting for a long time due to the inadequacy of the transport linkup on landing in Britain and that this was not a factor in the diminishing use of the shipping services of the consortium?

I am satisfied.

Has the Minister made investigations on the ground?

I have, and the facilities are more than adequate.

Yes, at present, but is the Minister satisfied that some time ago the inadequacy of these facilities was not a factor which led to the diminishing use of the consortium's shipping services?

I am satisfied that there has been a complete change in the type of transport arrangements being made now by cattle exporters. There tends to be direct road transport to the farms rather than to traditional markets.

I drew the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries to the following point also: is the Minister aware of the difficulty in regard to shipping space for horses? Only about one-half the number we could export are being exported because of the difficulty of medical inspection on the other side.

I will have that matter examined. It does not refer to this question.