§ Mr. JOHN PHILLIPSWill the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) state on what authority county councils can compel all persons owning sheep in Ireland to cause them to be dipped at least once a year; what are the penalties for not doing so; and who are the officials that are bound to see these penalties enforced?
The VICE-PRESIDENT of the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE (Ireland) (Mr. T. W. Russell)The Diseases of Animals Act, 1903, confers power to make orders for the dipping of sheep. Orders of this kind are now in force in Ireland requiring two dippings in the year within certain prescribed periods. The councils of counties and county boroughs are the local authorities for the enforcement of these orders. They can appoint inspectors to see to such enforcement. The police also assist in the matter. If breaches of the orders occur it is open to the local authorities either to prosecute on their own behalf or to request the police to do so. At the discretion of the court offenders may, on conviction, be fined any amount not exceeding £20, or where the offence has been committed in respect to more than four animals, not exceeding £5 for each animal.
Mr. P. J. POWERWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the changing of dates that are fixed at present, which most agriculturists find unsatisfactory?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLI shall be glad to consider that point.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs it open to private owners to do their own dipping within a specified time?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLI think so.