HC Deb 20 June 1922 vol 155 cc1046-7
70. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the estimate of an importation of 200,000 head of cattle from Canada alone in the event of the present precautions in regard to the importation of live cattle being swept away; and whether his Department has formed any estimate as to the cost to the taxpayers of this country if we are thereby forced to adopt similar quarantine arrangements to those found necessary in Canada and as to the practicability and efficiency of applying these quarantine arrangements at the great ports likely to be the centres of the cattle trade, having regard to the congestion already experienced?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. No Estimate has been prepared by my Department as to the probable cost if similar quarantine arrangements to those in force in Canada were established in this country. It. is probable that large additional accommodation at the ports would be necessary, but if so, the cost would not fall upon the taxpayer but on the trade.

Lieut.-Colonel WHELER

May I take it that such arrangements will have to be made, and will those charges fall upon the exporter rather than upon the people of this country?

Mr. SPEAKER

That seems to be rather a hypothetical question.