§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has made any and, if so, what representations to the War Office for a return to Ireland from the Continent of Irish-bred mares rendered useless for war purposes; and whether any policy of selection has been decided upon whereby a fair proportion of the class most suitable for brood mares will be brought back?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe Department have been in consultation with the military authorities on the subject of the importation of brood mares returned from the seat of War. In view of the risk of introducing equine disease and the serious injury which would be thereby inflicted on the Irish horse-breeding industry generally, the Department cannot see their way to agree to the importation to Ireland of any of the animals in question.