§ 16. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if his attention has been called to resolutions passed by county councils in Ireland calling for the withdrawal of the Sheep Dipping (Appointment of Inspectors) Order, 1915, owing to the expenditure involved by its operation; and what action he intends taking in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department of Agriculture (Ireland) have received in a few instances resolutions from local authorities objecting to the Sheep Dipping (Appointment of Inspectors) (Ireland) Order of 1915, on the grounds of the expense involved. The Department, in the interests of the important sheep trade of the country, consider the Order in question to be necessary, and do not propose to withdraw it. It is not believed that the ultimate expense which would fall on the local authorities in connection with the enforcement of the Order need be considerable.
§ Mr. MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that up to the present the Royal Irish Constabulary have superintended sheep dipping in Ireland, and has there been any outbreak of sheep scab or other disease which would warrant a new set of officials?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am aware that the Royal Irish Constabulary, in the discharge of their very numerous duties, have undertaken this peculiar operation. I can only say the Department consider that the Order in question is one they ought not to withdraw.
§ Mr. LYNCHWould the right hon. Gentleman take the sense of the various counties in Ireland, especially at a moment when economy is being instituted everywhere?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOliver Cromwell, when asked to take the sense of the House, said he found it easier to take the nonsense of the House.