HC Deb 22 February 1922 vol 150 cc1894-5
76. Major M. WOOD

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any expense was incurred by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland in briefing counsel and leading evidence before the Commission on the Importation of Canadian Cattle in opposition to the removal of the embargo; and, if so, what was the amount of the expense so incurred?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)

Counsel were employed by the Department to assist them in watching the interests of Irish agriculture before the Commission. The expenditure incurred in this connection amounts to £1,823 3s. 10d.; which will not form a charge on voted monies, but will be defrayed from the Endowment Fund of the Department of Agriculture in Ireland.

Major WOOD

Before incurring that expense, did they find out whether counsel would appear on the other side?

Mr. RATCLIFFE

Is it proposed to import Canadian cattle into Ireland?

Major WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put it down.