§ MR. DELANYI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he can now state what steps the Board of Agriculture propose taking to prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease through the importation of foreign forage.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe matter is receiving careful consideration, 215 but our information on the subject is not yet complete; and no decision has yet been arrived at.
§ MR. DELANYIs foreign forage being imported into Scotland at the present time, and if so, does the hon. Gentleman intend to allow it to continue?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYI have said the matter is being carefully inquired into. It is not possible to say more at present.
§ MR. DELANYI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the introduction of the foot-and-mouth disease into Scotland is traceable to the importation of foreign forage; whether he is aware that the military authorities are at present using quantities of this class of forage; and whether, with a view to prevent further spread of disease, he will make representation to the War Office Department on the subject.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYOur inquiries as to the manner in which foot-and-mouth disease was recently introduced into Scotland are not yet complete. If it is found to be due to the importation of foreign hay, the suggestion made by the hon. Member will be carefully considered.