§ 3. Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Agriculture, in view of the resolution unanimously passed by two All-Ireland meetings, held in the Mansion House, Dublin, asking for an inquiry into the origin of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland and suggesting the adoption of safeguarding Regulations to minimise in future the dislocation of the live-stock trade between Ireland and Great Britain when a sporadic isolated outbreak occurs, whether he will consider, in the interests of both countries, the advisability of appointing a Committee to in quire into and report upon the matter?
§ 4. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the working of the Contagious Diseases Animals Acts as they affect the live-stock trade between Great Britain and Ireland, and to report what future Regulations might consistent with safety be adopted which would reduce to a mini mum the dislocation of trade between the two countries in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in either; whether the terms of reference will be so drawn as to enable the Committee to inquire as to the origin of recent out breaks, the effect which Regulations restricting the importation of Irish animals had during the period of their duration upon the price of meat in this country and to report generally upon the working of the Acts; and whether representation on the Committee, satisfactory to Irish stock raisers and owners will be given, together with power to the Committee to compel the attendance of witnesses and, where necessary, take evidence on oath?
§ The PRESIDENT Of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)In so far as the questions relate to the origin or prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland, they should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Vice-President of the Irish Department. On the other points I have nothing to add at present to the statement which I made in the Debate on the Board's Vote on the 16th June.
§ Mr. P. WHITEAre you prepared to keep your promise of the 16th inst?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANCertainly, the undertaking which I gave on the 16th will be carried out.
§ Mr. LARDNERIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared now to allow the exportation of store cattle from Ireland?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not think that arises out of the question, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that, if nothing seriously happens in the next day or two, we hope that the importation of store cattle from Irish ports will be resumed next week.