MR. POWERTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the horse disease, known as South African horse disease, has been practically stamped out among Army horses in Ireland; and will he say whether the disease exists among Army horses in parts of Great Britain; and, if so, whether Army horses before being sent from Great Britain to Ireland will be carefully examined; and whether every possible step will be taken to prevent the reintro-duction of this disease into Ireland by Army horses or otherwise.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long). The reply to the first inquiry is in the affirmative. For information upon the second and third points I must refer the hon. Member to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. With regard to the concluding inquiry, the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland are in communication with the military authorities with a view to the maintenance of adequate precautions against the reintroduction of the disease into Ireland, and the question whether any, and, if so, what further provision in the matter is necessary is engaging attention.