§ 11. Mr. LARDNERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that there is not nor has there been for a considerable time any foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland north of a line from Dublin to Galway, he can see his way to allow cattle into Great Britain from one or two of the northern ports forthwith; and whether he is aware that several cattle dealers in Ulster have had large numbers of cattle bought for immediate shipment several weeks ago detained in Ireland owing to the closing of ports, entailing serious financial loss to these men?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs I informed the House on Monday last, the Board were then advised by the Irish Department that in view of the uncertainty as to the extent to which infection might have been spread from the centres of disease in county Cork and county Tipperary, it was inexpedient that animals should for the present be moved to the Irish ports for shipment. As soon as a more reassuring report is received from the Irish Department, I shall be prepared to consider the possibility of modifying the restrictions on the lines suggested by the hon. Member. I greatly regret the loss which has resulted from the long-continued suspension of the trade.
§ Mr. FIELDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman when he expects to give us the details of the arrangements, or what time will elapse before the House is informed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am unable to say at present, but as soon as the information from Ireland for which we are waiting has been received, I shall proceed to make an early arrangement.