HC Deb 10 October 1912 vol 42 cc532-3
88. Mr. GEORGE ROBERTS

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the restriction placed on the importation of cattle from Ireland is depriving many drovers and others ordinarily employed in and about the markets of Norwich and elsewhere of their means of livelihood; and whether he will consider the advisability of relaxing the embargo to the extent of sanctioning the admission of such cattle as can pass a rigid examination at the points of deportation and landing?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware of and much regret the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers, but at the present time I do not see my way to make any further modification of the Orders which it has been my duty to issue in order to prevent the introduction and spread of disease.

Mr. CHAPLIN

I wish to ask the Prime Minister a question of which I have given him private notice, and which I was asked last Tuesday by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to postpone: Whether he will, in making any allocation for the conduct of business in this House, arrange that we on this side shall not be precluded from raising in Debate the following question: The refusal of the President of the Board of Agriculture to suspend for a further period an Order he sanctioned on 28th September for the admission of Irish stores into Great Britain while foot-and-mouth disease continues to progress in Ireland, and although two fresh cases have been recently announced, one on 28th September—the day the Order was sanctioned—and the other on 3rd October?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government recognise the gravity of this matter, and if, as I hope, the Debate on the Reso- lution for the allocation of time should close by the dinner hour on Monday, we will give the right hon. Gentleman the remainder of Monday evening for discussion. I make that suggestion.

Mr. CHAPLIN

Well, Sir, but supposing the Debate does not close, what time does the right hon. Gentleman propose to provide for this question of which he recognises the extreme gravity?

The PRIME MINISTER

In that case I think we shall arrange it by consultation through the ordinary channels.