§ Mr. O'SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the authorities in Ireland have prohibited or induced the Kennel Club to prevent the holding of dog shows in Ireland; if so, is he aware that almost all the dog shows in Ireland are held in connection with agricultural shows; and if he will explain why dog shows are prohibited while race meetings, coursing meetings, agricultural shows, sports, etc., are allowed to be held?
§ Mr. G. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Board of Trade have recently been in communication with the Kennel Club on the subject of the undesirability of holding dog shows in view of the present conditions of railway transport, and I understand that the club are not now licensing any shows in the United Kingdom the holding of which would involve any considerable demands for railway facilities.
No action has been taken by the Board of Trade on the other matters referred to in the question, but the Irish Railway Executive Committee are no doubt watching the position.