HC Deb 08 July 1915 vol 73 cc523-4
25. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the resolution passed by a number of local authorities urging upon the Government that, having regard to the scarcity of cattle and the prevailing high prices of butcher's meat, they should take immediate steps to remove the embargo on the importation of Canadian cattle into Great Britain; and whether he is prepared to take any action in the matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Orders of the Board do not now, however, prohibit the importation of cattle from Canada for slaughter at the port of landing, and the provision of proper facilities for this is under consideration. The admission of Canadian cattle under other conditions would require further statutory authority, which the President of the Board is not prepared at present to take steps to obtain.

Mr. MILLAR

In view of the necessity that may arise of using Canadian stores in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman give the matter his very careful consideration, with a view to increasing the food supply?

Mr. ACLAND

Feed is very scarce, and it is very much better to have the animals fat than lean.