HC Deb 06 April 1910 vol 16 cc429-31
Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTS

asked whether Argentina has been declared free from cattle disease for two years; and, if so, whether, considering the decreasing supply of meat available from the United States and the importance to our population of a constant and cheap supply of good meat, the Board of Agriculture will remove the embargo now placed on the admission of Argentina cattle to the United Kingdom?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We have been informed by the Argentine Government that no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred in Argentina since January, 1909. A formal decree declaring the Republic to foe free from the disease was issued on 25th August last. The question of the removal of the existing prohibition is under consideration, but no decision has as yet been arrived at. I am glad to note that the hon. Member is interested in keeping up a constant supply of cheap food apart from any restrictions.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, seeing that there has been no disease in the United States during the last two years, as he himself has acknowledged, he will now take off the prohibition against the Argentine?

Sir E. STRACHEY

There was no prohibition at the time the disease existed.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

May I ask whether it is not the fact that when the State decree was issued declaring the Republic free from the disease it was the decree of interested parties, namely, those who controlled the cattle interest in the Republic, and whether His Majesty's. Government made independent inquiry into the matter?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTS

May I ask whether a decision is likely to be soon arrived at by the Board?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We shall arrive at it as soon as ever we can.

Captain CRAIG

Is he aware that there is a plentiful supply of good beef to be had from Ireland?

Mr. C. BATHURST

May I ask whether, as suggested in the question, it is the fact that the check upon the importation of live cattle does reduce the supply of meat?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I do not consider that it does.

Mr. STANIER

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us if notification of that disease in that country is compulsory?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I must have notice of that question.