§ MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, in reference to the systematic examination that is to be made of the lungs of the cattle from Canada landed in this country, whether the lungs of all animals that are landed at the different ports will be examined and by whom the examination will be made, by officials of the Board or otherwise; what are the Regulations at present in force to prevent the introduction of animals from the United States into Canada, and whether those Regulations are thoroughly effective for the purpose; what is the length of the frontier between the two countries across which cattle can be introduced from the United States into Canada; and whether he is satisfied that no animals from the United States, by smuggling or otherwise, are introduced in defiance of the Regulations into Canada?
§ MR. H. GARDNERThe arrangements for the purposed examination of the lungs of cattle landed in this country from Canada are not yet completely formulated, but we shall provide for the inspection of the lungs of all the animals under proper supervision, and for the submission to the veterinary officers of the Department of every case in which there is the least suspicion of disease. The Regulations at present in force in Canada prohibit the introduction of animals from 1188 the United States without special examination and a quarantine detention of 90 days, and they are only allowed to enter at certain fixed stations. The Canadian Government believe that those Regulations are thoroughly effective, and I see no reason to doubt that they afford reasonable security against the introduction of disease. The length of the frontier between Canada and the United States is approximately about 4,000 miles. I am assured that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the Canadian Government no animals are introduced into Canada, by smuggling or otherwise, in defiance of the Regulations; and inasmuch as the prevention of the introduction of disease into the Dominion, and the privilege of the free entry of cattle into this country, are involved, it is obviously to the interest of the Canadian Government to use every means in their power to prevent any breach of the law.
§ MR. CHAPLINIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Regulations are not violated in any case?
§ MR. H. GARDNERI am satisfied there is every reasonable security taken.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)Before taking further steps, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of consulting Jewish Authorities, who have for many hundreds of years had a satisfactory system in this respect?
§ MR. H. GARDNERI am not at all acquainted with the Jewish system. I shall be glad to receive any information which can be afforded me.