HC Deb 08 March 1910 vol 14 cc1311-2
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that swine fever is being stamped out in Ireland more rapidly and at considerably less expense than in Great Britain, he will consider the advisability of assimilating the measures adopted for dealing with the disease in this country to those which have proved so successful on Ireland?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We shall be very willing to consider whether it would be desirable more closely to assimilate the procedure adopted for dealing with swine fever in Great Britain with that which obtains in Ireland. But the conditions existing in the two countries differ materially, and I must not be understood to accept the suggestion that we could obtain better results at less cost in Great Britain by the adoption of the course proposed.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

May I ask whether, bearing in mind that the returns for the two countries show the great de- sirability of assimilation, the hon. Gentleman will not consider the advisability of conferring with the Department in Ireland with a view to ameliorating the conditions in this country?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I have said we are willing to consider that.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that great dissatisfaction prevails in Yorkshire with the action of the Board?

Sir E. STRACHEY

If the hon. Member will wait till Thursday, I think, in answer to another question, I shall be able to give him satisfaction.