I desire to ask a question in reference to a matter of great importance. I heard to-day that, at half-past one o'clock, an order arrived in Dublin containing an intimation of the closing down of ports in Great Britain, with the exception of Holyhead, against Irish live stock. I would be glad if the Government would inform us if they have any knowledge of the issue of such an order, and, if so, what is the cause of the issuing of this order.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. CLOSING OF ENGLISH PORTS.
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS (Mr. O'Higgins)
My information is that the situation is substantially as described by the Deputy, and that there has been a closing down order of ports by the British authorities. It is felt that the seriousness of the Foot and Mouth situation in England demands that step. The ports open at present are the Welsh ports of Holyhead, Cardiff and Fishguard.
In view of that position, will the Minister take into consideration the desirability of immediately setting the Drogheda Meat Factory to work?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I will transmit that suggestion to the Minister for Agriculture.