§ 12. Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he has received a memorial from the South of Ireland Cattle Trade Association representing to him the inconvenience to trade, the hardship to animals and the losses to owners caused by the existing Regulations for the compulsory detention of cattle at the port of embarkation; and whether, in view of the fact that Ireland is and has been for the past seven months certified to be free from cattle disease, and of the importance of an unrestricted cattle supply in the present emergency, he will consider whether the time has arrived for revoking the Regulations complained of?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Harry Verney)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I see nothing in the present situation to call for the revocation of the Order to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. O'BRIENIs it not a fact that the entire Irish cattle trade hold a very different view, and will the hon. Baronet consider whether some deference cannot be paid to their views?
§ Sir H. VERNEYNo. I understand that the view of the Irish cattle trade is not unanimously the view held by my hon. Friend. In view of the large number of animals which have been detained, and the risk of infection in this country, it is to the advantage of both countries that the Order should not be revoked.