§ 44. Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the inconvenience and loss caused to exporters of Irish store cattle by reason of certain county authorities in Scotland and England refusing admittance to Irish cattle; and whether he is taking action to secure unrestricted movement for cattle which have been certified as free from disease, both by the veterinary officers of the Department and by the veterinary officers of the Irish Department of Agriculture?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)I am aware that several local authorities have made regulations, the effect of which is to exclude from their districts live stock newly imported from Ireland. It is a question on which they are entitled to exercise their discretion within reasonable limits, and I am not at present prepared to intervene.
§ Mr. KILBRIDECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these local bodies in England and Scotland have been impressed with the idea that Ireland is seething with foot-and-mouth disease because of the continuous advertisement by questions in this House?
§ Mr. FIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the local authorities in order that the trade may not be dislocated so much as it is under the present system?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWhen the occasion arises I am quite ready to discuss the matter with the local authorities, but unless the exercise of their authority is unreasonable, I am not prepared to intervene in the matter now.
§ Mr. WATTDoes not this trouble arise owing to the reduction in the rates of some of the lairages in Scotland?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat has nothing whatever to do with the matter.