§ 63. Captain MURRAYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that, England being an infected and barred country, Scottish breeders who send their cattle into England to be tested cannot get them exported; and whether, in view of the fact that, so far as Scotland is concerned, the new testing station at Pirbright is in these circumstances useless, he will reconsider the proposal to establish a testing station for Scotland?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISMy right hon. Friend is aware that at present the testing station at Pirbright is of no advantage to Scottish breeders who wish to export stock to those countries, particularly Argentina, which are prohibiting the importation of animals from England in consequence of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. But he hopes that the embargo will have been removed, in a much shorter time than would be required for the provision of a testing station in Scotland. Meanwhile the Pirbright station is on trial, and, moreover, in view of the difference of opinion which exists among Scottish breeders on this subject, he does not see his way, at present, to apply for a Grant from the Development Fund for a station in Scotland.
§ Captain MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether that difference of opinion still exists among Scottish breeders, and whether the objection which has been previously manifested towards this proposal still exists?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISMy right hon. Friend will be glad to make inquiries and to receive information on the subject.