§ 23. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in consequence of the increase of the importation of stores, the number of cattle imported from the Irish Free State during the first two months of 1934 was practically the same as the number imported during these two months of 1933; and whether he proposes to take any steps to reduce the number of cattle imported in future?
§ Dr. BURGINLicences for importation of store cattle in January and February this year were apportioned on the basis of figures for the first quarter of 1933 as a whole, and not upon the figures of January and February, 1933, respectively. Imports of store cattle in March last year were at a higher rate than in January and February of last year, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the figures for the whole of the first quarter of this year, which have been issued to-day, he will find that the numbers of cattle imported from the Irish Free State were materially less than in the first quarter of 1933. As regards 701 the last part of the question, the limitation of imports of cattle from the Irish Free State is being maintained during the current quarter, April to June, on the same basis as during the first quarter.