§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co.)I wish to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps have been taken to ensure the more humane treatment of Irish sheep and cattle carried from Irish ports to English and Scotch markets; whether any competent judges estimate the loss caused by the present treatment of sheep and cattle on the journey from Ireland to the British markets at 15s. per head of fat cattle and at 10s. per head of store stock; and whether, if no local power exists to improve the method of transit, the Government contemplate any fresh legislation on the subject?
§ VISCOUNT LEWISHAMThe question has frequently been under the notice of the Agricultural Department, and some years ago a Committee was appointed to inquire into the matter, and an Order of Council was passed relating to the transit by water. It is understood that a conference is shortly to be held of representatives of some of the leading agricultural societies of Great Britain and Ireland with the object of formulating some practical suggestions for ameliorating the present state of things, after which they will submit their views to the Privy Council.