Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings at the Drumcondra Petty Sessions on Friday, 27th May last, when the North Dublin Rural District Council prosecuted the manager of the Model Farm, Glasnevin, for having on 3rd May allowed a manure pit to be situated at such a distance from the cowsheds and dairy that it was rendered offensive and unhealthy, contrary to the provisions of the Dairy, Cowsheds, and Milk Shops (Ireland) Order, 1908; whether he is aware that the solicitor who appeared for the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction pleaded on behalf of the Department that the Department, being under the Crown, could not be prosecuted; and whether it is with the sanction of the President, Vice-President, or members of the Department that advantage is taken of the fact that the defendants were a Public Department under the Crown to contravene Orders made for the safety of the public in such cases?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have nothing to add to my reply to the question on the same subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member for South Dublin on the 16th instant.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether those present in court at the time took down the words as used in this question, and why did the right hon. Gentleman state to my hon. Friend beside me that no such ridiculous plea was put forward?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo plea was put forward of that ridiculous character by the orders and instructions of the Board.
Captain CRAIGWhy did he state to my hon. Friend that it was not put forward by his instructions, but simply by the solicitor in charge of the case?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI did not know it was put forward by the solicitor then. I do not know it now.
§ Mr. BIRRELLQuite often.