MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that swine fever orders have been issued by the West Riding County Council prohibiting the importation of swine from Ireland under severe penalties; and whether, seeing that all swine exported from Ireland are passed by a veterinary inspector, and that swine fever is much more prevalent in England than in Ireland at present, he can take any steps to get this order rescinded.
* MR. LONGI have received a copy of the regulation to which the hon. Member refers. It was made by the Local Authority in the exercise of the discretionary powers which they possess for the protection of their district, and in consequence of the fact that several recent outbreaks of disease had been traced to swine brought to the West Riding from Ireland. In the circumstances the action of the Local Authority seems to me to be fully justified, but I will, of course, communicate to them the representations made by the hon. Member.
* MR. LONGI have said that these regulations are made by the Local Authority in the exercise of its discretion, and 1047 cannot properly be interfered with; but I will communicate any representations the hon. Member may like to make.
MR. FIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether swine fever is not more prevalent in England than in Ireland at the present moment; and whether the precautions taken in Ireland have not been more successful than those taken in England?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!