§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government appreciate the loss caused to owners of cattle, sheep, and pigs in Ireland by inability to sell them at the usual period, and consequent inability to meet their usual engagements; and, if any steps are being taken to ease the situation and avert a crisis, will he say what they are?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThere can be no question that, owing to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, regrettable and serious loss is falling upon large numbers of those connected directly or indirectly with the Irish cattle trade. Apart from the payment of compensation for animals slaughtered, which has been done in every case, the Department has no power to mitigate the suffering caused.