§ 41. Captain WRIGHTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that a considerable number of horses were sent to the Crewe auction sale last Friday, 22nd June, which, owing to the recent Order prohibiting, except under licence, the sale of farm horses, could not be sold and had to be returned home; and whether, in the future event of Orders imposing similar restrictions being made, he will take steps to ensure a longer notice of their coming into operation, so that the loss to owners ignorant of the restrictions and unnecessary traffic on the railways may be avoided?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Prothero)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I would point out that as long a notice as possible of the fact that an Order has been made is always given to the public, but to give notice of the intention of making an Order would, to some extent, stultify its effect.
§ Captain WRIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that entrances for the sale closed on the Monday and the order was made on the Saturday or the Friday before?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI was not aware of that circumstance and I very much regret the inconvenience caused, but I am afraid that in the circumstances it was inevitable.