§ Mr. P. WHITEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that two steamers from Drogheda laden with live stock on the 15th instant were held up at Birkenhead because of one lamb affected with scab; whether any of the Board's veterin- 330W ary officers were summoned to inspect the lamb; and, if so, did they confirm the report of the English officer?
§ Mr. RUSSELLA communication has been received from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to the effect that on the 16th ultimo one sheep was found affected with scab at Birkenhead among a cargo of other sheep which arrived upon that day from Drogheda. The Department are not aware what action the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries took with regard to the incontact sheep, but in accordance with the Order of the Board, it would appear competent for the Board's inspector at the landing place, Birkenhead, to prevent the movement except under licence of such other sheep, as, in his opinion, had been exposed to infection by contact with the diseased or suspected animal or otherwise. The Department's officers were not asked to inspect the sheep at Birkenhead and did not do so.