§ MR. CAREW (Kildare, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lientenant of Ireland, If it is a fact that while a rigid system of inspection for the purpose of detecting disease in sheep and other animals is exercised at Dublin and other seaports, none is exercised at the fairs throughout the Country; whether in consequence purchasers at fairs who take their animals direct to Dublin, and before they have an opportunity of examining whether they are affected with disease, are often subjected to heavy fines; and, whether in view of the great danger of propagating disease under existing circumstances, he will order an extension of the system to the leading fairs to be held in the autumn?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)There is a strict system of inspection by Government Veterinary Inspectors at all ports of Ireland from which animals are shipped, and no animal can be shipped until certified to be free from disease. There is no such system of Government inspection at fairs, except that an Inspector attends at Ballinasloe and other important fairs for the purpose of seeing that the provisions of the Order in Council as to 1466 cleansing and disinfection are carried out by the Railway Company, and to prevent overcrowding of animals in trucks. In Ireland, as in England, the districts in which fairs are held are under the control of the Local Authorities, whose duty it is to enforce the provisions of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, and for this purpose they can appoint such officers as they deem necessary. These officers have authority to seize and detain any diseased animal exposed at a fair, and the person so exposing it is liable to a penalty. As regards the second paragraph of the Question, I believe the cases in which penalties have been imposed in Dublin under the circumstances mentioned are not numerous.