§ MR. WATTI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will ensure that all carcases of swine slaughtered in Ireland for export are inspected in accordance with the recommendation of the Local Government Board, namely, that the presence of tubercular deposit in any degree should involve seizure of the whole carcase and organs; and, if the carcases and organs cannot be inspected by competent inspectors in Ireland, will he take steps to prevent the flesh being exported to Scotland for human food.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board for Ireland have on two occasions brought the recommendation mentioned in the Question to the notice of local authorities in Ireland, but the Board have no power to enforce its adoption. The inspection of meat intended for human food is a matter for the local authorities themselves. The Board have no power to prohibit the export of meat. I have no information that unfit meat is exported to Scotland, but if it be suggested that such is the case I imagine that the Scottish local authorities would have power to deal with the matter. Upon that point, however, my hon. friend should address the Secretary for Scotland.