asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity of German or other foreign oats which has been imported into Saorstát Eireann since last harvest; whether he is aware that the importation of such oats is likely to bring infection and cause foot and mouth disease in this country, and whether he will prohibit or limit the importation of foreign oats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Foreign Oats.
Mr. Hogan
There were no direct imports of oats into Saorstát Eireann from Germany during the six months ended 31st March, 1930. The total imports of oats, other than seed oats, during that period were 37,972 cwt., of which 13,996 cwt. were from Great Britain and 23,976 cwt. from Northern Ireland. As consignors are not required to state the country of origin, it is not possible, as intimated in my previous reply of 9th ultimo on this subject, to say whether any and, if so, what quantity of these imports originated in countries other than Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Save as regards a consignment of 3 tons reputed to be of German origin, imported via Great Britain during the past few months, the Department have no evidence that any oats grown on the continent of Europe have reached this country. As far as the Department are aware, there is no record of oats from a country infected with foot and mouth disease being held responsible for conveying that disease. In all the circumstances, therefore, it is not considered necessary to prohibit such importations at present, but the matter will be closely watched.