§ 26. Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will consider the advisability of taking a census of the live stock in Ireland, with a view to retain a sufficient number for breeding purposes, and also that arrangements shall be made to keep a sufficient supply of meat and milk for the Irish people?
§ Mr. SAMUELSAs the hon. Member was informed on the 22nd January, special returns of live stocks have been obtained from a large number of farmers. These returns indicate that the breeding stock of cattle and pigs is being maintained, and the Department of Agriculture do not think that a special general census of live stock is necessary or advisable. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that Orders have been issued under the Maintenance of Livestock Act, to guard against undue depletion of livestock in Ireland, including milch cows.