asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to a paragraph in "The Daily Chronicle" of October 29th stating that ninety per cent. of the livers of Irish cattle were affected; whether there is any foundation for this statement, and, if not, whether he intends to take any action against this newspaper in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ALLEGATION CONCERNING IRISH CATTLE.
The reply to the first portion of the question is in the affirmative. The statement in question, which appears to have been made on behalf of the defence in a case against certain butchers charged in Yorkshire with offences under the Meat Regulations, is entirely without foundation, and the Department had already taken steps, through the office of the High Commissioner in London, with a view to counteracting any injurious impression created by the paragraph referred to.
In regard to the concluding portion of the question, I am advised that no action lies against the newspaper referred to in respect of the publication by it of the report of the proceedings at the court.