§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the number of horses (including asses) exported from the port of Goole between 1st October, 1910, 367 and 1st July, 1911, was 6,709, and that in each case a fee of 2s. 6d., amounting to a total for the nine months of £838 12s. 6d., was payable to the Board through their veterinary inspector, to whom the Board pay a salary of £200 per annum; whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Board have refused to pay the whole cost of the shipment office of the West Riding County Council, leaving the residue to be provided from the local rates; and whether they will reconsider their refusal in view of the surplus which they are receiving from these fees?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYSix thousand four hundred and seventy-two horses were examined, and fees amounting to £809 were paid during the period to which the hon. Member refers. The duties of the shipment officer are of a very light nature, at most ports of three days a week only, and the Board are satisfied that the amount paid to the local authority for the work affords the officer sufficient remuneration. Although the fees at Goole exceed the cost of the administration of the Act at that port there are other ports at which this is not the case.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIs it not a fact that the local authority are only paying £l a week for the railway expenses of this officer, and that it is found absolutely impossible to get a man sufficiently responsible to carry out the duties? Will it not be possible for the Board to pay extra money in view of the surplus from fees?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThat is not the information that reaches me, but I will be very glad to confer with the hon. Member as to the possibility of getting a competent officer.