HC Deb 16 February 1905 vol 141 cc319-20
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the hon. Member for North Huntingdonshire, as representing the Board of Agriculture, whether any representations have been made by the Canadian Government during the recess with regard to the removal of the restrictions at present placed upon the importation of Canadian store cattle; and whether, in the interest of the health of home-bred cattle, and in view of previous losses from imported contagious diseases, the Department will decline to recommend the removal of the restrictions now in force.

MR. BUCHANAN

At the same time I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a despatch has recently been received from the Dominion Government calling attention to the exclusion of Canadian cattle from British ports; what reply has been sent by His Majesty"s Government; and whether the correspondence will be laid upon the Table.

MR. AILWYN FELLOWES (Huntingdonshire, Ramsey)

Perhaps the hon. Member for East Perthshire will allow me to answer his Question at the same time. We have recently received a despatch in which it is represented that Canadian feeling and opinion are still in favour of the repeal of the existing statutory restrictions on the importation of live animals, so far as the Dominion is concerned. Whilst accepting this assurance my noble friend remains of the opinion he has frequently expressed that the proposed amendment of the law would be undesirable. The correspondence which has passed does not add to the information I have given.

MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)

How has the hon. Gentleman arrived at the conclusion that Canadian opinion is in favour of this repeal?

MR. AILWYN FELLOWES

From a despatch which the Home Government has received.

MR. CATHCART WASON

From where?

MR. AILWYN FELLOWES

I am not sure where the despatch came from.

MR. BUCHANAN

Has a reply been sent to the despatch of the Dominion Government, and will the correspondence be laid on the Table of the House.

MR. AILWYN FELLOWES

I am not quite sure if a reply has been sent. I will consult my noble friend as to laying the correspondence on the Table.