§ 67. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Government have informed the Dutch Government that they may be compelled to take severe measures against the importation of goods coming from countries infected with foot-and-mouth disease or anthrax if such goods are proved or suspected to have occasioned such disease in Great Britain; and, if so, what articles have the Government in mind in this connection, and what is the nature of the restrictive measures contemplated?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Government have not so informed the Dutch Government, but the report made last May by the Departmental Committee on foot-and-mouth disease has recently been circulated to His Majesty's representatives in foreign countries, and I surmise that the rumour to which the hon. Member refers, has arisen from the publication of a recommendation made on page 12 of the Report. With regard to the latter part of the question, no restrictive measures have at present been decided upon.