§ 40. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has been in communication with any, and, if any, what cattle-importing countries with a view to their accepting as free from contagious disease cattle which have passed the British Government test to be applied at the Government cattle-testing station at Pirbright, and with what result; and whether such countries, or any of them, have expressed a preference for the testing of cattle intended for export by their own agents in this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe cattle-testing station at Pirbrigfht is intended to be used for two purposes only, namely, the testing of animals with tuberculin prior to export, and immunisation against certain tropical and sub-tropical diseases. I have been in communication, both officially and unofficially, with representatives of those countries which at present protect themselves by prescribing quarantine and other conditions against the importation of 1239 animals suffering from tuberculosis; they have for the most part shown a ready disposition to consider the withdrawal or modification of the existing restrictions in the case of animals accompanied by a certificate from the Board, but they are naturally not prepared to commit themselves to a definite promise until the arrangements for conducting the test are complete and can be inspected by them. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTCan the right hon. Gentleman say what are the sub-tropical diseases to which he refers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI should like to have notice of that, but certainly red-water fever above all others.