asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether it is intended to appoint a Commission to investigate and report on the causes of the present outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in County Wexford.

The Department have two superintending veterinary inspectors in charge of the operations in County Wexford. Part of the duty of these officers and the staff of veterinarians acting with them is to investigate every clue to the cause of the outbreak, and there appears, therefore, no necessity for the appointment of a commission of inquiry.

In view of the various rumours that were broadcast in Wexford and other places as to the causes of the outbreak, will the Minister consider it necessary to hold an inquiry on oath?

Certainly not.

Will the Minister say what is the result of the inquiries that have been held by the veterinary inspectors?

Any speculation as to the cause of foot-and-mouth disease is no more and no less than surmise.