99. Mr. MONTAGUE BARLOWasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the restrictions imposed as to animals landing from Ireland, live cattle are not coming to the Salford and other inland Lancashire markets; whether he is aware that the slaughter of cattle at the port of landing results in waste (owing to decomposition) and also in expense to the retail butcher, and consequent increase in the price of meat; and 179 whether he will consider the possibility of withdrawing or relaxing the restrictions so as to allow Irish cattle to come into the Salford and other inland Lancashire markets?
§ Sir H. VERNEYThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. It is not necessary that animals should be slaughtered at the port of landing, and the Board have no reason to think that their restrictions have anything to do with any rise in price which may have taken place. The Board hope, however, shortly to be in a position to withdraw all the restrictions now affecting the Irish live stock trade.
§ 103. Mr. FIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the clean bill of health from animal diseases in Ireland and the demand for supplies in Great Britain, and in the interest of both countries, he will consider the advisability of relaxing the restrictions now in force regulating the importation and transit of Irish live stock; and whether he is aware that, with the exception of a sporadic isolated case in Tipperary over five weeks since, Ireland has been free from foot-and-mouth distemper for several months?
§ Sir H. VERNEYI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have just given to the hon. Member for South Salford.
§ Mr. FIELDCan the hon. Gentleman say when the time will arrive when he can take off these restrictions?
§ Sir H. VERNEYShortly.
§ Sir H. VERNEYPerhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that.
§ Mr. FLAVINI beg to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture a question, of which I have given private notice, namely: Whether he is aware that Ireland is now free from foot-and-mouth disease in every form; and whether, in view of the great inconvenience and loss caused to Irish farmers, 180 as also to the Irish cattle dealers, who have to accompany their cattle from Ireland to the British markets and remain with them for a period of fourteen days under the Detention Order, he can now make a statement removing the period of detention of fourteen days, as it is especially hard on the owners of store cattle which do not come to the markets of Great Britain for immediate slaughter?
§ Sir H. VERNEYI am afraid I have nothing to add to the answer I have already given.