HC Deb 22 April 1913 vol 52 cc239-40
74. Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether his office has attempted to form or can form an estimate, even approximately, of the total loss to Ireland in consequence of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease last year and the restrictions on the importation of Irish cattle to this country which followed?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)

It is regretted that the Department are not in a position to form an estimate in this matter. The effects of the disturbance of trade while the restrictions were in force have appeared too complex for reduction to terms of net monetary loss, especially in view of the unusually high exports subsequently.

Mr. P. WHITE

Were the exports more than usual?

Mr. RUSSELL

I have nothing to add to my answer.