HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 cc857-8
37. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture (Ireland), whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the Killadysert Rural District Council pointing out that for a long period there has been no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland and requesting the Board of Agriculture to revoke the detention regulation, as it dislocates the cattle trade, causes loss and detriment, raises price, and corresponds now to no useful purpose; and whether he will take steps accordingly?

Mr. DUKE

The Department have received a copy of the resolution mentioned. The period of ten hours' detention at the British landing places for livestock arriving from Dublin has been imposed by Order of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries,. who have on different occasions intimated that this period of detention must be regarded as permanent. In the circumstances the Department do not see their way at present to take further action in the direction suggested.

Mr. LYNCH

As this disease is nonexistent in Ireland and that the period of incubation is long past, will the right hon. Gentleman not take steps for the removal of the Order?

Mr. DUKE

The matter has been considered, and the result arrived at is believed by the Department to be in the public interest.

39. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if his attention has been directed to the losses incurred by Irish stockholders owing to the prevalence of the disease of redwater amongst cattle; and if the investigations which have been proceeding for the past five years into the cause of this disease and the means of prevention and cure have led to any practical result?

Mr. DUKE

The Department will communicate direct with my hon. Friend in regard to this matter.

Sir J. LONSDALE

May I expect a reply at an early date?

Mr. DUKE

I hope so.