§ Captain REDMOND(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the re-opening of the ports of Great Britain to store cattle from Ireland?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)Yes, Sir. The prohibition on the unrestricted importation of animals into Great Britain from Ireland will be maintained for the present. After midnight on Sunday next, store cattle will be admitted into Great Britain from all parts of Ireland other than an area round the seat of the outbreak in New Ross, subject to 14 days' quarantine at the ports of landing in Great Britain. Provided there is no further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, and provided that a sufficient number of cattle are imported to afford an indication as to the absence of the disease outside the restricted area in Ireland, it is hoped that it will be 2224 possible to waive the quarantine restriction after the first consignments at the various ports have completed the period of 14 days under observation. Further ports in Great Britain will immediately be made available for the reception of store cattle, and by this means accommodation will be provided for about 6,000 animals for any one period of quarantine.