§ 77. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whet her he has considered the claim which owners of stock have for public compensation for the detention of their stock at Irish ports during the past season, none of which were even suspected of being affected with disease; and whether, having regard to the fact that the consequent loss from deterioration meant ruin to some owners, and that in many cases the unnecessary detention was brought about by an arbitrary official order from this side, he will take steps for the provision of adequate compensation?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)There is no power under the Diseases of Animals Acts to entertain claims for compensation in respect of losses said to be sustained in consequence of restrictions imposed under those Acts.
§ Mr P. WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman introduce legislation?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThat is not a question for me to answer.