§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to a case recently heard at Ennis Petty Sessions, respecting the delay and damage to cattle in transit; whether he is aware that the cattle were crowded in wagons all night without food or water, and that the case was dismissed on its merits; whether he will ask the Department of Agriculture in Ireland to inquire into and report upon the constant complaint of consignors regarding the treatment and delay of live stock in transit; and whether the claim of carrying companies to detain and deliver live stock as may suit their convenience will be permitted to continue.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM, Dover)It is the practice of the Department to inquire into complaints of the nature mentioned in the second paragraph. The Department has no information as to the claim of the carrying companies in respect of detention and delivery of live stock. But it has no general power to regulate the traffic arrangements of railway companies. When an infringement of any legal provisions coming within its jurisdiction in respect of the transit of stock is brought under notice it is prepared to take up the matter against the company or person in default.
§ MR. FIELDHas the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiry into the matter? He has not answered my question at all.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have made the fullest inquiry.