asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he is aware that the British Government propose to forbid the transit of cattle into England in the well deck of cattle ships, and that the effect of such an order will be to increase freight charges on live stock or to prevent a reduction in such charges, and whether he has consulted his expert advisers on the matter, and if he is prepared to make representations to the British Government thereon.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TRANSIT OF CATTLE.
The Department are aware that the British Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are drafting an amended Transit of Animals Order. A clause in the draft Order provides that, to preserve the animals from suffering and damage, and to secure that they land in good condition at British ports, cattle should not be carried on the open main deck forward of cattle-carrying ships during certain winter months. The Department's expert advisers have been consulted in the matter and representations in favour of certain modifications have been made to the British Ministry, with whom the Department will continue to keep in close touch.
Have any replies been received to the representations made?
It would be better if the Deputy put that question later to the Minister for Lands and Agriculture.