§ MR. MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention had been called to the fact that on the 14th of last month a large number of cattle were shipped from Northwall to Liverpool, although three of their number were discovered on inspection to be suffering from pleuro-pneumonia, and were ordered to be slaughtered; and, if the Irish Government proposes to institute any immediate inquiry into cattle disease with a view to give further powers to guardians and Privy Council authorities; and also to provide more qualified Veterinary Inspectors at the different ports to prevent the de- 1350 barkation of cattle to Great Britain which have been in contact with infected animals although showing no signs of disease themselves?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)In answer to my hon. Friend, I have to say that my attention has been called to the circumstances referred to. The subject of giving some further powers with a view to prevent the exportation of diseased animals has been considered. The Inspectors engaged at the ports of inspection are all qualified veterinary surgeons; and I am not inclined at pre-sent to promise that there shall be any increase in their number.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)Would the right hon. Gentleman say if the further powers to prevent the exportation of these diseased animals could be introduced into the Coercion Bill?
§ [No reply.]