Major BROWNasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the evil caused by the excessive number of calves among Irish heifers imported into this country; and what steps he is taking to prevent it?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI understand my hon. and gallant Friend to refer to Irish heifers which are brought to this country for grazing purposes, and which, before the fattening process is complete, prove to be in calf. I am informed that certain stock-owners put heifers to the bull in the belief that an animal fattens quicker in the early stages of pregnancy, and that this often leads to objection on the part of the butcher. The Ministry has no information as to the number of such grazing heifers which pass through the ports, because without a minute examination the veterinary inspectors could not detect them, but. I shall he pleased to have inquiry made on the subject if
— England. Wales. Scotland. Great Britain. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Total area (excluding water) … … 32,385,350 4,751,276 19,069,683 50,206,309 Arable land … … … … 10,583,258 727,257 3,338,068 14,648,583 Permanent grass … … … … 12,838,415 1,876,863 1,387,431 16,102,709 Mountain, heath, moor, down or other rough land used for grazing. 3,291,554 1,489,922 9,634,271 14,415,747 Woodlands … … … … … 1,697,413 186,655 852,120 2,736,188 Balance (Holdings) of 1 acre or less private houses and gardens, buildings, roads, railways, waste land, etc. 3,974,710 470,579 3,857,793 8,303,082 There is no precise information as to the area of salt marsh or of the other categories mentioned in the question. Prolonged and searching investigation would be necessary to ascertain the area of land not now cultivated which is suitable for cultivation, or would be suitable after reclamation or improvement by draining.