HC Deb 20 January 1913 vol 47 cc7-8
5. Mr. GINNELL

asked, in view of the loss imposed upon Ireland by the detention of Irish cattle for twelve hours at the landing places in Great Britain and subsequent restriction for twenty-one days at the places of destination, notwithstanding the present immunity of Ireland from cattle disease and notwithstanding examination by experts on both sides of the Channel, if he will say whether English cattle are subject to the restriction for twenty-one days; if not, what is the reason for the difference of treatment; and if he can now say when this discrimination against Ireland will be stopped?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have explained to the House on many occasions the reasons which make it impossible to draw any analogy between the movement of cattle from one part of England to another and the importation of cattle from Ireland. I hope, if nothing untoward occurs in the meantime, to be able to dispense with the requirement of twenty-one days' supervision in the case of Irish cattle early next month.

48. Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that, when an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease occurred in England in 1911, a Departmental Commitee was appointed to make inquiries into its possible origin and report what conditions and regulations should govern the restrictions on the movement of animals in the event of subsequent outbreaks so as to safeguard the interests of British agriculturists, he will now, if an application supported by the public opinion of Ireland is presented to him, appoint a similar Committee or Commission of Inquiry into the necessities of Irish agriculturists arising out of the outbreak in that country last year?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

As I recently stated, I still adhere, after careful consideration of the matter, to the opinion that no useful purpose would be served at present by the appointment of such a Commission or Committee as is suggested.?

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman ignoring Irish opinion in this matter altogether?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir; Irish opinion is a very important factor.