§ Mr. EDWARD WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the promised inquiry into the alleged fraudulent marking of English cattle as Irish is yet completed; and whether he can state what, if any, are the existing regulations of the Board upon the subject?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe inquiries are not yet completed. There are no regulations on the subject.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEHow long is this fraud to be allowed to be carried on of passing off diseased English cows for sound Irish cattle?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe hon. Member may be quite sure that we will expedite this matter as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEMay I ask whether the people who are committing this fraud in Yorkshire are not counterfeiting the Government veterinary brand which is put upon the cattle at the North Wall, Dublin, when they are exported?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI am inquiring into that very question.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIf this allegation is true, will the hon. Baronet take immediate steps to prevent this fraud, which is certainly not the desire of the majority of the Yorkshire people?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYYes, if I have the power to do so.