HC Deb 16 May 1892 vol 4 cc974-5
MR. PINKERTON (for Mr. MCCARTAN)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the grant of five thousand pounds towards the improvement of the breed of horses in Ireland, whether the amount was devoted towards the improvement of the breed of horses only; and whether he will advise the Royal Dublin Society to cause at least one of the stallions selected for County Down to visit some of the towns in South Down, in order that the farmers of that division may derive some benefit from the grant?

*MR. JACKSON

The annual grant of five thousand pounds is devoted to the improvement of the breed of cattle as well as horses, in accordance with the provisions of the Probate Duties Act. The Royal Dublin Society allocates three thousand two hundred pounds to horses, and one thousand eight hundred pounds to cattle. Under the provisions of the scheme in operation, this year the owners of stallions determine the places at which they shall serve.

MR. PINKERTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the distribution has anything to do with politics?

*MR. JACKSON

I am sorry the hon. Gentleman should even suggest anything of the kind. I am quite sure that nobody who knows the way in which the Royal Dublin Society discharges its duties would think that.

MR. KNOX (Cavan, W.)

Is it not a fact that the Royal Dublin Society do assign horses to different parts of the country and not merely to those places from which applications are made?

*MR. JACKSON

I understand that the Royal Dublin Society invites offers of horses from owners, and of course they accept what good offers are made. If applications are made from other districts and the horses are found to be satisfactory, of course the Royal Dublin Society will give to the districts from which the applications are made the same advantages as other places.