59. Mr. McKieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that an appreciable number of lambs are being imported from Northern Ireland to Scotland, where they are killed and the carcases marketed in Smithfield and, being of markedly inferior quality to Scottish lamb, are prejudicial to the Scottish trade; and whether he can take any action in this matter?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that for several years Irish lambs have been brought from Ireland to the south of Scotland from May to October for slaughter and consignment to London, but I am not aware that they are of inferior quality or that they affect prejudicially the Scottish export trade in lambs. If my hon. Friend has any information on that point, perhaps he could let me have it.