§ Mr. HORACE PLUNKETT (Dublin Co., S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that the bacon trade of Ireland is suffering from severe competition from Denmark and other countries; that the quality of Irish pigs is rapidly deteriorating; that, owing to the prevalence of swine fever in some districts in Ireland and Scotland, the import to Ireland of breeding swine is prohibited, and that consequently the breed cannot be improved; and, whether he will have an inquiry made into the practicability of effecting the desired importation without danger of spreading disease?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Irish Veterinary Department has no official information of the effect produced on the Irish bacon trade by the competition of Denmark and other countries. I have no evidence to show that the quality of Irish pigs is rapidly deteriorating; but it is no doubt important to improve the breed of pigs in Ireland in order that Irish bacon may compete successfully with that of other countries. Owing to the prevalence of swine fever in Great Britain, the importation of swine into Ireland has been prohibited since January, 1894. The Department is considering the conditions under which some relaxation of the restrictions upon the importation of swine may be permitted, and a final decision on the subject will be taken at an early date.