71. Captain TERRELLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, when the Canadian cattle embargo is raised, there will be protection, through special marking or designation, to the public against having this meat represented to them as home bred and raised; and whether, if 1454 this cannot be carried out by law as it stands, the Government will consider the desirability of introducing the necessary legislation?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)The whole question in connection with the importation of Canadian cattle is at present under consideration, and I am unable to make a statement at the present time.
§ 73. Lieut.-Colonel MORDENasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there is a very good root crop this year and that store cattle are urgently required this autumn to consume same; and, seeing that the Irish supply is uncertain and suspect of disease, whereas the Canadian cattle coming from the ranges next month are in the best of condition to be sent here at once before they are put on winter keep and lose condition, and before the winter season handicaps traffic, as no legislation is required for the admittance of South African and Irish cattle, and that no quarantine is enforced for either, can he see his way to extend this privilege to Canadian cattle pending the passing of a definite Bill, according to the wishes of both Houses of Parliament?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I am unable to agree that the Irish supply of store cattle is either uncertain or that the animals are suspect of disease. I have no power to admit cattle from overseas, whether from Canada or South Africa, into the United Kingdom, other than for immediate slaughter at the ports, save in the case of animals imported for exceptional purposes. A small number of Friesian cattle were admitted recently from South Africa for breeding purposes, but they were subjected to four months' quarantine. Legislation would be required for the admittance of store cattle from any country outside the United Kingdom.
§ Colonel ASHLEYSeeing that these excellent Friesian cattle were subjected to four months' quarantine, does the right hon. Gentleman propose that the same quarantine shall be put on Canadian cattle if and when they come in?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThat matter will have to be considered by the Government as a whole. I cannot possibly make any statement on it.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNIs there any doubt in the mind of the Government that they have to carry out the Resolution passed by this House?