§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can make any statement with reference to the restrictions in the Order of the Board with regard to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Sussex; whether he is aware that, owing to the continued drought, the owners of stock in Romney Marsh are in a most serious position in consequence of the severe restrictions and the size of the scheduled area; whether he is also aware that it is necessary for the health of the stock, especially the fatting sheep and the lambs, that some relaxation of the restric- 368 tions should be made at an early date; and whether he will cause immediate inquiry to be made as to how this may be safely carried out?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYAn Order was made by the Board yesterday modifying the restrictions within the area. I shall be glad to send a copy to the hon. Member. I hope that it may be possible before long to curtail considerably the area to which the restrictions apply.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYDoes the Order only apply to movement within the area?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIt only applies to that. We hope very shortly to further restrict the area.