DR. FAQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in consideration of the opinion of competent authorities that pleuro-pneumonia has never existed in Canada, and the admitted fact that the United States has been free from this disease for three years, he will reconsider the advisability of restoring the introduction of Canadian store cattle into the United Kingdom, so that cattle-feeders can take full advantage of the threatened storage in the supply of beef from abroad.
§ MR. HANBURYI do not know what competent authorities the hon. Member refers to, but, in the opinion of the officers of the Board, pleuro-pneumonia undoubtedly existed among the cattle coming from Canada up to 1892; nor do I know on what the hon. Member bases his fear of a shortage of beef supply. There was a considerable increase in the quantity of beef imported into this country last year, and our information does not show any diminution of stocks in the United States. I see no reason whatever for reversing a policy which was deliberately embodied in an Act of Parliament so recently as the year 1896.
§ DR. FARQUHARSONMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that one of the first authorities in Europe has stated that pleuro-pneumonia has never existed in Canada?
§ MR. HANBURYThat may be so, but it is entirely in conflict with the opinion of our own authorities.