§ 10. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the attempt of the South Kildare farmers to organise and equip an abattoir and dressed meat business; whether the Department of Agriculture have refused to issue a licence; and, if so, what is the reason for this refusal?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers to the Athy Dressed Meat Society. No licence from the Department is necessary to engage in the dressed meat business, but under an Order of the Food Controller meat can be exported to Great Britain only with a permit granted by the Department, and of late the quantity of meat to be accepted in Great Britain has 1595 been strictly limited, while this limitation exists an additional export to that now authorised will not be accepted at British ports. As soon as this limitation is relaxed, and in the event of the control of meat export continuing, the Department will grant the society the necessary permit for export and make arrangements for the inspection of the meat.
§ Colonel ASHLEYMay I ask will the Government do away with this control of the export of meat from Ireland to Great Britain?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe whole question is now being considered.