§ 52. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the statements made to him recently by a deputation of Scotch importers of Irish cattle and to repeated statements made by Irish stock-raisers as to dependence of the one upon the other for the successful prosecution of their respective shares in presenting finished fat cattle to the British consumer, and to the general views expressed by the spokesmen of the deputation that the rules applicable to England should not be denied to Ireland, he will now consider the advisability of appointing a Select Committee of this House to take evidence from experienced agriculturists, and report as to what permanent regulations should exist governing the transit of cattle from one country to the other in the event of an outbreak of disease in either?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe responsibility of regulating the transit of cattle between Ireland and Great Britain when disease exists in either country ought, in my opinion, to be left to the Departments concerned. I do not think that any advantage would be gained by the appointment of a Select Committee.
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEWhat will happen if (he Departments concerned fail to agree between themselves as to what is the proper course to adopt?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt will then be decided by the Cabinet.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling amongst British agriculturists that there should be some Committee in order to facilitate co-operation between the two Departments?
§ The PRIME MINISTERDoes the hon. Member mean a Committee of this House?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTA Select Committee, not necessarily of this House, but preferably.
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the hon. Member will put down a question independently.