§ Mr. BOWERMANasked whether, as a result of recent communications passing between the two countries, satisfactory assurances have been received from the Argentine Government regarding the freedom of that country from foot-and-mouth disease; and, if so, whether it is intended, or in contemplation, to remove the existing restrictions upon the importation into the Deptford cattle market and other foreign animal wharves of live cattle for slaughter?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board have received assurances that the Argentine Republic is free from foot-and-mouth disease at the present moment. The Board propose to consider fully the advisability of modifying the existing restrictions, but before doing so require further information, which the Foreign Office have been requested to obtain from the Argentine Government.
§ Mr. BOWERMANMay I take it that if the assurances given to the Government are satisfactory the Government will be prepared to remove the restrictions?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI cannot answer that hypothetical question of my hon. Friend.