§ Mr. S. MITCHELLasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there is strong public feeling that the proceedings of the Departmental Committee which he intends to appoint, or has appointed, to investigate the export of worn-out horses, etc., to the Continent should be conducted in public; if he is willing to meet the wishes of the people in this matter; and, if not, will he state the reasons?
Mr. E. WOODI am aware that certain societies have expressed the opinion that the meetings of this Committee should be in public, but, as I have already explained, the Committee have themselves decided to sit in private. This is the course usually taken by Departmental Committees. The decision in this matter is one for the Committee themselves, and does not fall within my discretion.