§ 54. Mr. LUNDONasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), what was the number of prosecutions instituted against traders and others in Great Britain during the years 1909, 1910, 1911, and up to 1st of October of 1912 for fraud in connection with the sale of Irish butter, eggs, and bacon; in how many cases were convictions obtained and penalties enforced; what was the amount of the fines imposed; and will the names of those who were convicted be given?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe number of prosecutions instituted in Great Britain through the instrumentality of the Department's inspector during the period mentioned in the question was 41— 25 in respect of butter, 11 for eggs, and 5 for bacon. The number of convictions was 37. Fines amounting to £136 4s., with costs, were imposed. In each of two cases costs amounting to £10 10s. were allowed. In three cases offenders were sentenced to imprisonment for twelve months, and in one case the sentence was nine months. One case was withdrawn owing to the death of the defendant. The Department do not propose to give the names of the persons prosecuted.