§ Mr. LUNDONasked whether in the experiment which the Department was making with the four Normandy sires will mares be put to them, and, if so, how many to each horse; what breed will the mares be; have they to be purchased by the Department, and, if so, at what cost; 1290W is it the intention of the Department to import any more of these sires; and, if it be, will they consult the county committees in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThese sires will be used for the service of mares belonging to the Department only. It is not proposed to purchase more sires of this breed at present.
§ Colonel M'CALMONTasked how many mares the Board of Agriculture (Ireland) have on the farms at Foxrock and elsewhere; of what class are these mares; how many of them are to be put to the Normandy sires; and what is eventually intended to be done with the produce?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department have at present twenty-seven mares at their own stations which are principally used for farm work. They are not yet in a position to say how many mares will be put to the Normandy sires, nor can they say at present what will eventually be done with the produce.