MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the many serious and continuous complaints respecting the condition of live stock caused by cross-Channel transit, it is the intention of the Board of Trade to inquire into the present system, and propose a remedy?
§ *MR. PARKER SMITH (Lanark, Partick)May I ask whether, seeing that it is difficult to ascertain whether the injury to these animals occurs in Ireland or when at sea, the right hon. Gentleman will, in any enquiry, secure the co-operation of the Irish Departments concerned?
§ MR. GARDNERI am aware that complaints have at various times been made with regard to the arrangements for the transit of cattle from Ireland to Great Britain, but from the fact that no representations have recently reached me on the subject I had hoped that some improvement had taken place. The matter is one of considerable difficulty, but so far as lies within our power we are taking steps to remedy some of the more obvious evils, and I am considering whether further legislation on the subject is feasible. I need scarcely say that I shall be happy to receive and to consider any further information on the subject with which it may be in the power of the hon. Member to supply me. In reply to the hon. Member for Partick, if he will give notice of his question I will endeavour to answer it.