§ 107. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will state the total number of lambs exported from Ireland to Great Britain this year; the Irish ports and numbers, respectively, from which they were sent; whether they got solid or liquid food, or both, before embarkation; how much of each, and at what cost per head; and whether he will give a similar Return for the corresponding period last year?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture, Ireland)This year, up to 19th April, the shipments of lambs from Irish ports to Great Britain were as follows: Belfast, 3; Cork, 179; Drogheda, 56; Dublin, 299; Dundalk, 10; Londonderry, 6; Waterford, 57; total, 610. For the corresponding period last year the figures were: Belfast, 31; Cork, 371; Dublin, 634; Greenore, 33; Londonderry, 27; Waterford, 93; Wexford, 54; total, 1,243. Particulars as to feeding before shipment can at present be given only in respect of Dublin port. The lambs shipped from thence, which have all been weaned lambs, have, while in the inspection yards, been provided with best hay, at at a cost, where the shipping company supply the hay, of ½d. per head. Where owners or their agents arrange as to feeding, cabbage has sometimes been provided as well as hay. The animals get as much as they wish lo eat. Water is also provided.