§ Mr. JOYCEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the complaint made in Ireland as to the detention of cattle for two hours at the ports of embarkation in Ireland; if his 1452W attention has been directed to the resolution of the Limerick County Council on this subject on Saturday, 27th February; and whether, taking all the circumstances into account, some modification of the existing Order will be made with the view of lessening the pecuniary losses to the owners of these animals?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe reply to the earlier parts of this question is in the affirmative and to the final part in the negative. The requirement that animals brought to be shipped at Irish ports shall be detained under veterinary observation for two hours before being certified for exportation has been in force for more than two years. It was decided upon after full consultation with all the interests concerned and was designed not only to guarantee effective inspection, but also to secure that the animals, which in many instances have travelled long distances and experienced much fatigue before reaching the port, shall be rested, fed and watered before undergoing the further hardships of the sea journey. This is a humane and necessary provision. The Department are satisfied also that the two hours' period is requisite for proper inspection. Considering the heavy shipments that take place the requirement does not seem detrimentally to affect the trade, and in all the circumstances the Department cannot see their way to modify it.