§ Mr. HARWOOD () BoltonTo ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can say whether negotiations are proceeding with the Government of the Argentine Republic for the admission of live cattle for slaughter at certain ports in this country under due, precautions against the importation of disease.
(Answered by Mr. Hanbury.) As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for North Manchester on the 27th ultimo, we have suggested to the Argentine Government that they should take further precautions against the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease on lines similar to those we ourselves adopt. They have introduced, and, I believe, have now passed a Bill giving them the necessary statutory powers for the purpose, and I expect to hear shortly that a decree under the new law has been issued. If, as I have reason to expect, the terms of the new law and the decree issued thereunder prove to be satisfactory, I should hope that the negotiations which have been taking place may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.