HC Deb 23 May 1905 vol 146 cc1126-7
MR. POWER (Waterford, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution adopted at the last meeting of the Waterford County Council, with reference to the spread among the horses in the county Waterford of the disease known as the South African disease; and whether the Government will bear the entire cost of horses destroyed by orders of the veterinary inspectors in the county Waterford, with the view of exterminating this disease, which was introduced into Waterford by artillery horses sent there on the conclusion of the war in South Africa.

MR. WALTER LONG

The resolution referred to suggests that a general order for the slaughter of diseased horses should be issued, but the Department of Agriculture consider that the requirements of the case have been met by the local order which has been issued, and which is applicable to the particular out-break. A further local order will be framed if necessary. The reply to the last inquiry is in the negative.

MR. POWER

Is it not the fact that the disease was introduced into Waterford by Army horses?

MR. WALTER LONG

I do not, know whether that is the case or not.

MR. POWER

The Secretary for War has admitted it.