§ MR. T. DAVIESI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he will lay upon the Table a copy of the regulations of the Belgian Government with regard to the disinfection of the vessels employed in carrying to Antwerp for slaughter animals which are prohibited from landing in Great Britain, which vessels fre- 1124 quently proceed direct to British ports from Antwerp; and whether the Board of Agriculture are satisfied that the regulations and precautions of the Belgian Government afford a sufficient safeguard against the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease into this country through the landing of persons and cargo from possibly infected vessels.
§ MR. J. A. PEASEWe do not know whether the arrangements made by the Belgian Government with regard to the disinfection of vessels have been embodied in any formal regulations, but inquiry will be made on the subject. The fact that foot-and-mouth disease exists in Belgium and that animals from infected countries are imported into that country constitutes a certain element of danger so far as we are concerned. It would scarcely be practicable, however, to institute any further precautionary measures. The importation of animals from Belgium is prohibited, and the new Order with regard to foreign hay and straw extends to that country.
§ MR. T. DAVIESIs the importation of hay from Algeria prohibited, and is there any foot-and-mouth disease in that country?
§ MR. J. A. PEASEYes, it is prohibited, but I am not sure if foot-and-mouth disease prevails there.
§ MR. T. DAVIESWill the hon. Gentleman get information on that point?
§ MR. J. A. PEASEIf the hon. Gentleman will put a Question down I shall be glad to answer it.
§ MR. T. DAVIESWhy is the importation prohibited from Algeria?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better give notice. This Question refers to Antwerp and not to Algeria.