§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether he can say what is the latest information obtainable as to the fitness of Argentine cattle for exportation; and whether it is now safe for the embargo to be removed, or, if not, whether it would be possible to discriminate between infected and non-infected districts so as to permit of the import of cattle from the latter under proper regulations for slaughter at the port of discharge in the United Kingdom?
§ The TREASURER to the HOUSEHOLD (Sir Edward Strachey)An outbreak of foot and mouth disease occurred in the province of Cordoba last January, and the disease centre continued to exist in February. It would not be consistent with our statutory obligations to remove the existing prohibition, and I am afraid that it would be dangerous to adopt the alternative suggestion which the hon. Member makes.
§ Mr. M'ARTHURDo I gather that no information has been received as to the State of the Argentine since?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYPerhaps the hon. Member would give me notice. Tie matter is a very grave one.