§ MR. FISON (Yorkshire, W.R., Doncaster)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can now see his way to remove the restrictions regarding the movement and sale of swine in the southern portion of the West Riding of York.
§ * THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. HANBURY,) PrestonSince the imposition in April last of the restrictions to which my hon. friend refers there has been a very considerable improvement in the position with regard to swine fever in the district in question. Six outbreaks have, however, been confirmed during the past six weeks, and these have been scattered widely throughout the area. One occurred as lately as the 24th November, and one on the 19th November was just outside the borough of Doncaster. It would therefore be premature to assume that the restrictions have done their work. I shall, however, be glad to keep the representations made to me by my hon. friend in mind with a view to the withdrawal of the Order at the earliest possible moment consistently with safety.