§ SIR H. MAXWELL (Wigton)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the serious allegations made in evidence before the Committee of the House of Lords as to the extent to which American and Colonial beef is dressed wholesale and retail as "best Scots" and English meat; and whether he has undertaken or directed, or intends to undertake or direct, inquiry into the truth of these allegations, in the interest of honest trade and British agriculture? In putting the question, J should like to express the hope that the right hon. Gentleman, who was absent on account of illness when I put a similar question some time since, is now completely convalescent.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. H. GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron WaldenI have given very careful consideration to the evidence to which the hon. Baronet refers, and I have been, and still am, in communication respecting it with my right hon. Friend, within whose jurisdiction questions affecting the marking of merchandise are comprised. I have neither the means nor the power myself to undertake or direct further inquiry into the allegations made before the Committee of the House of Lords; but I should be glad to receive the particulars of any specific cases in which it is alleged that a false trade description has been applied to meat, and 458 to confer with my right hon. Friend as regards the steps to be taken in such cases. My present impression is, that the law as it stands should be sufficient to prevent malpractices such as those referred to.
§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has received resolutions passed by the Highland Agricultural Society, as well as by other Societies of farmers, meeting in Scotland, complaining of the sale of foreign meat under the name of British, and praying for legislation to check this fraudulent practice?
§ MR. H. GARDNERI am not aware that any resolution has been forwarded from the Highland Agricultural Society. If it has been sent I am sure every attention will be given to it.
§ SIR H. MAXWELLWhen the right hon. Gentleman says the law is sufficient, does that mean that the responsibility and onus of proving these cases rests entirely with those connected with the agricultural interest; and is his Department quite helpless to assist, either by information or by inspection, such action as may be taken in such cases?
§ MR. H. GARDNERI have already explained that I have no means at my disposal on the subject, but I am conferring with the President of the Board of Trade on the subject.
MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)In the event of any specific cases being brought to his notice, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take action in the way of prosecution?
§ MR. H. GARDNERI have already informed the House that if any specific case is brought under my notice I shall be very glad to confer with the President of the Board of Trade as to the steps to be taken.