§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that this season's trade in pedigree stock with Argentina will not be lost if the Argentine ports are reopened to British stock prior to 1st June; and, if so, what steps are the Board taking to secure the removal of the present embargo in the interests of British stock-owners?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirma- 209 tive. The Board have been in communication with the Argentine Legation on this matter, further, they have asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to bring to the notice of the Argentine Government the isolated character of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and to request them to consider the propriety of withdrawing at the earliest possible moment the existing prohibition on the importation of animals from England and Wales.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the Board press the Foreign Office to move in this matter as quickly as possible in the interest of a very important agricultural industry?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYOf course, Sir.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether the Argentine Government has been officially notified that foot-and-mouth disease has been effectually stamped out in this country and requested, with a view to the revival of trade in live stock between the two countries, to remove all restrictions upon their importation without delay, and, if so, whether the request has been refused?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYYes, Sir, but sufficient time has not elapsed to allow of any reply being yet received.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEMay I ask whether the Argentine Government has been informed that there is no such thing as foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThat is a question which ought to be addressed to the Chief Secretary for Ireland.
Mr. STANLERMay I ask if the case of foot-and-mouth disease is now declared over, and that the premises are declared free?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYYes, some time ago—last month.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs it not the fact that no embargo is placed by the Argentine on Irish stock?