§ MR. J. F. MASON (Windsor)I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, with reference to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland, he has now satisfied himself that the disease was imported in foreign hay; and, if so, whether it is proposed to take any steps to restrict such importation.
§ *MR. J. H. LEWIS (Flintshire)My hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question, and to say that he is unable at present to add anything to the reply which he gave to a similar Question on the 17th instant.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)Having regard to the fact that the hay from Rotterdam caused this outbreak and that the disease is prevalent all over the Netherlands, will the Board prevent hay coming into this country from that source.
§ *MR. J. H. LEWISThis Question is receiving very careful consideration, but no decision has yet been arrived at. The inquiry is being made.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYWhat inquiries are necessary? We know the hay caused the outbreak and you can prevent its importation.
§ *MR. J. H. LEWISIt must be obvious to the hon. Member that in a matter of 818 this kind careful inquiries are absolutely necessary.
§ MR. MYER (Lambeth, N.)But it is a well-known fact that foot-and-mouth disease is prevalent in the Netherlands, and does not the hon. Gentleman think it is the duty of the Government to stop the importation of hay from there?
§ *MR. J. H. LEWISI can assure the House that the Board are giving the most careful attention to the matter, and that whatever action they deem reasonable will be taken as soon as possible.