HC Deb 26 November 1908 vol 197 cc680-1
MR. B. S. STRAUS (Tower Hamlets, Mile End)

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, owing to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the United States of America, which will doubtless decrease the meat supply of this country, so largely dependent upon America, he will withdraw the Order preventing Norway and Sweden from exporting live cattle for slaughter into this country.

THE TREASURES OF THE HOUSEHOLD (Sir E. STRACHEY, Somersetshire S.)

The action taken by the Board under the Diseases of Animals Acts must be governed by considerations of the risk of the introduction of disease into this country, and the Board are not prepared in the present circumstances to adopt my hon. friend's suggestion. I may add that the live imports from the United States represent altogether less than 5 per cent. of our total meat supply (home and foreign).

MR. B. S. STRAUS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if something is not done, owing to the control that the Americans have over the meat supply of this country, it will mean a very serious increase in the price of meat to the poor people of London at Christmas time?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

I am aware that the Daily Mail on Monday said there would be an increase, but I am also aware that the Westminster Gazette says meat is likely to be even cheaper than usual this Christmas.

AN HON. MEMBER

Is the Westminster Gazette a Government organ?

MR. B. S. STRAUS

It is not a question of what the newspapers say. If foot-and-mouth disease has broken out, will it not mean a very serious increase in the price?

* SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

I am quite aware of that, and my hon. friend should not, therefore, rely upon newspapers for the foundation of his Questions on this matter.

MR. WALTER LONG (Dublin, S.)

asked whether it was not a fact that the public, and especially the poorer classes, were much better served by the supply of dead meat, which was not subject to restrictions of this kind, and attending the importation of which there was no risk of disease.

SIR EDWARD STEACHEY

said he would not commit himself to the opinion that the public was better served, but the greater quantity of imported meat was dead meat, and not live meat.