HC Deb 20 December 1912 vol 45 cc1865-6W
Mr. LUNDON

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) the number of tons of butter exported from Irish creameries during the years 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912; and whether the same could be had according to counties or, if not, by provinces?

Mr. RUSSELL

According to returns received in the Department, the following were the total quantity and the estimated value of butter exported from Ireland during each of the years 1909, 1910, and 1011:—

Quantity. Estimated Value.
Tons. £
1909 35,981 3,625,111
1910 34,945 3,584,810
1911 34,418 3,671,264

The figures for 1912 are at present only available for the six months January to June. The total quantity of butter exported from Ireland during the first six months of each of the years 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912 was:—

Tons.
1909 12,500
1910 11,372
1911 10,841
1912 13,035

The Department have no means of showing how much of the quantities quoted above was butter "exported from Irish creameries" as distinct from other butter, and are unable to give the above information according to either counties or provinces.

Mr. LUNDON

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) the number of store and fat cattle, respectively, exported from Munster during the years 1909, 1910, 1911, and up to October, 1912, taken by counties?

Mr. RUSSELL

The information supplied to the Department in regard to the cattle exported from Ireland does not afford any means of stating the numbers of fat and store cattle respectively, exported by counties or provinces.

Mr. LUNDON

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether there is a possibility of getting the Irish Butter Bill carried into law this Session; and, if so, when will the Second Reading take place?

Mr. RUSSELL

I hope it may be possible to secure the passage of this Bill, but I can give no pledge in the matter.