Captain COOPERasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction have been prosecuted by the North Dublin Rural District Council for a nuisance to the public health created by a manure heap at the Albert Farm, Glas-nevin, and that it was pleaded that the Department was above the law; will he state the result of the prosecution; and what steps will be taken to prevent the public health being endangered in this manner?
§ Mr. BIRRELLA summons was issued on behalf of the North Dublin Rural District 1446 Council against the Agricultural College at Glasnevin for keeping manure in the manure pit attached to the farmyard, on the ground of its proximity to the farm dairy. The Department pleaded that the manure pit, which has occupied its present position since the institution was built, is neither a nuisance nor a danger to public health, and this view was supported by certificates from high public health and veterinary authorities. The result of the proceedings was that the magistrates suggested a conference between the officers of the Department and of the district council, and adjourned the case for two months. No such ridiculous plea as that suggested by the hon. Member was employed on the occasion referred to.