§ 71. Mr. CRUMLEYasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that calves over six months old are allowed to be shipped from Ireland to Great Britain, whilst heifers or bullocks over three years old, if they have not four teeth, cannot be shipped; if he can explain why this distinction is made, as both classes are sold to graziers in Great Britain as stores; and will he take steps to remove such restriction off three-year-olds?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe war emergency restrictions on live stock in force in Ireland under the Maintenance of Live Stock Act, 1915, do not at present prevent shipment of male cattle, whether bulls or bullocks, except such as are under six months old. Heifers, however, may not be shipped without a licence until they have four permanent incisor teeth fully up—a stage of maturity usually reached about two and a half years. The object is to prevent undue depletion of young breeding stock. At three years old, heifers not in calf may be exported.
§ Mr. CRUMLEYWhy prevent the shipment of three-year-old heifers and bullocks because they have not got four broad teeth, and permit the shipment of calves but six months old, both classes being sold as store cattle?
§ Mr. SHORTTI must ask for notice.