§ MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY (Londonderry)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can toll the House the reason why the Lord Lieutenant has lately refused permission for the importation of cattle into Ireland from a district of Scotland which is not scheduled, and from which the cattle could be moved anywhere throughout England, Scotland, and Wales?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Lord Lieutenant grants permission to import cattle from Great Britain into Ireland in all cases where, after due inquiry into the previous history of the cattle proposed to be imported and their surroundings, it is considered safe that such importation should take place. There has been no case, so far as I can ascertain, of refusal where the requisite conditions have been fulfilled.
DR. MACDONALDIs it actually the law that cattle cannot be imported into Ireland from England except with the previous permission of the Lord Lieutenant?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Lord Lieutenant undoubtedly has power to make such regulations regarding the im- 774 portation of cattle into Ireland as he deems necessary, and he can prevent cattle from being imported if he is of opinion that any risk would be involved.