§ MR. DARLING (Deptford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture in what European countries, and districts of countries, foot-and-mouth disease now exists; and whether he is prepared to revoke any of the orders now in force which prohibit the landing of foreign cattle at Deptford?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron WaldenI am sorry to say that we have reason to believe that foot-and-mouth disease exists at the present time in every country on the Continent of Europe, with the single exception of Norway. This being the 249 case, the law leaves me no alternative but to maintain in force the orders to which the hon. Member refers.
§ MR. DARLINGI beg also to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will propose, or support, a Bill giving the Board of Agriculture power to allow foreign animals to be landed in England and slaughtered at the place of landing, in cases where by the existing law that Board now holds itself bound absolutely to prohibit the import of foreign animals?
§ MR. GARDNERThe law as it now stands is based on the well-established fact that the slaughter of animals at the place of landing affords no adequate security against the introduction of a disease of so highly infectious a character as foot-and-mouth disease. This being the case, I could not undertake to propose or support a Bill to the effect suggested in the question.