73. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to statements on the part of those opposed to the raising of the embargo on Canadian cattle that such action will involve the repeal of the Diseases of Animals Act of 1896; and whether he can assure the House that, in case it be decided to admit Canadian store cattle, there is no intention of allowing the importation of Continental cattle without effective measures to prevent the danger of imported disease?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)I have seen statements suggesting that the raising of the embargo on Canadian cattle would involve the repeal of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1896. Such action would, no doubt, involve an amendment of the Act of 1896, but not necessarily its repeal, as it applies, and should continue to apply, to other foreign animals, even if the Canadian cattle are exempt from its operation.
§ Major M. WOODMay we take it that, in the event of the House deciding in favour of the removal of the embargo, the Government will take steps to give legislative effect to that decision?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is hypothetical. The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better wait to see what happens.
§ Mr. HURDMay I ask whether, as a matter of fact, Mr. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, did not intimate at the Imperial Conference that if Canada were exempted from this, Australia would also claim exemption?