HC Deb 23 July 1914 vol 65 cc647-8
Mr. FIELD

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he can state what arrangements are to be made in respect of the importation of Irish live stock?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Irish Department having temporarily prohibited the movement of animals out of that portion of Ireland which lies south and east of a line drawn from Drogheda to Banacher, thence along the Shannon to Killaloe, thence to Carrick-on-suir, and Kilmacthomas, and thence to Ballyvoyle Head on the Water-ford coast, the Board made an Order yesterday, which comes into operation at midnight to-night, allowing animals coming from outside that area to be landed at Glasgow, Birkenhead (Wood-side), and Manchester, for slaughter in the landing place within ninety-six hours. The animals may be put on board at any one of the following ports: Ballina, Belfast, Coleraine, Cork, Dundalk, Drogheda, Greenore, Larne, Limerick, Londonderry, Milford, Mulroy, Newry, Portrush, Sligo, Westport.

Mr. FIELD

Do I understand that Dublin, Wexford, and Waterford are excluded from the list of ports that may send cattle?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir, for the present we are not receiving animals from those three ports?

Mr. FIELD

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to free these ports?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If all goes well and nothing untoward arises during the next few days, we hope to be receiving animals from these ports at the end of next week.

Mr. FIELD

What does a few days mean?

Mr. C. BATHURST

Are we to understand that no Irish store cattle are for the present to be admitted into any port of Great Britain?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir, for the present we are not receiving any Irish store cattle. We are receiving cattle for slaughter.