§ 42. Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the freedom in Ireland from foot-and-mouth distemper for some time past, save in certain restricted isolated scheduled districts, and of the demand for fat and store animals from many parts and places in Great Britain, he will consider the expediency of modifying the existing Regulations in order to facilitate movement and trade?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)My right hon. Friend is carefully considering the possibility of modifying the existing restrictions, and hopes to be able to make an announcement on the subject shortly.
§ Mr. FIELDAm I to understand that in an answer to-morrow on this subject the right hon. Gentleman will give us the details of what he intends to do?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISI will convey that to my right hon. Friend.
§ Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTCan the right hon. Gentleman say tomorrow when some of the ports will be opened for fat cattle for slaughter?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISMy right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement on the subject shortly, but I cannot promise it for to-morrow.
§ 75. Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been directed to the injury inflicted on the animal industry in Ireland owing to the existing Regulations; and whether he will 1092 confer with the President of the Board of Agriculture, with the object of modifying them and providing further facilities for trading in live-stock between Ireland and Great Britain?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)I am in constant communication with my right hon. Friend and with his officers upon this question.