HC Deb 10 July 1890 vol 346 cc1315-6
MR. T. M. HEALT

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Phoenix Park was declared an infected area within the past 12 months because of an outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia amongst the cattle grazing thereon; who owned these cows, and who sanctioned their being in the Park; what loss have the taxpayers sustained for compensation to the owners; will the Government in future prevent the annoyance caused to the public by allowing cows to graze in the Park; and by whose authority has the lower portion of the Park, near the Hibernian School, Been railed in from the public, and for what purpose?

*MR. JACKSON

The Phcenix Park -was declared an infected area on September 16, 1889, in consequence of an outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia among the cattle grazing in it, and the Order is still in force. The cattle referred to were the property of Mr. R. G. Nash, of Howth. They were, in accordance with the usual practice, taken in for grazing by the Commissioners of Public Works, who are the custodians of the Park. I have no information as to the loss the taxpayers sustained by the payment of compensation to the owner. The Park is now, under the advice of the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council, being grazed with sheep, and this arrangement will be continued so long as there is any liability to an outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia among cattle. The plot of ground near the Hibernian School has been railed in for many years under the authority of the Commissioners of Public Works, being meadow land, the hay from which is used for feeding the deer in winter.

MR. T. M. HEALY

The right hon. Gentleman has not stated what the loss to the taxpayer has been, nor has he explained why it is that the Board of Works, in spite of the repeated expression of opinion on the part of the Irish Members, still allow cattle to graze in the Phoenix Park. I myself warned him last year against the practice, and the ratepayers have now lost £600 in consequence of allowing it.

*MR. JACKSON

I have given the information I was asked to give. I was asked a specific question, and I am told by the Board of Works that they have no information that will enable them to give the figures.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Is it not the fact that when this herd of cattle was ordered to be slaughtered under the Pleuropneumonia Act a claim was immediately made by the owner for so much per head? Surely if that is the case the loss may be easily calculated even at the Board of Works.

*MR. JACKSON

The hon. Member had better give notice of the question.

MR. T. M. HEALY

I will put down another question.