§ 65. Mr. LEACHasked the Minister of Agriculture if it is his intention to in- 1176 troduce legislation to place all the other Dominions in the same position as Canada now is in regard to the importation of cattle?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICURTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)The Government have informed the Dominions other than Canada that, if the question of removing the restrictions regarding the import of cattle from their territories is raised at the forthcoming Imperial Conference and a mutually satisfactory arrangement reached, legislation will be introduced to give effect to such arrangement. The general question of the restrictions on the import of livestock into the various parts of the Empire, including the United Kingdom, is being placed on the agenda of the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference as a subject for discussion.
§ Mr. LAMBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the policy of the Government on this important question, and who is to decide as to what is a mutually satisfactory arrangement?
§ Mr. RILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of feeling in Australia against the distinction drawn between Australia and Canada in this matter?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI am quite aware of that, and that is the reason why we are anxious to discuss the matter with the Dominions.
§ Mr. LAMBERTMay I have an answer to my question? Who is to determine the mutually satisfactory arrangement?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI think the last answer I gave answers that question.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the agricultural interests be consulted in contra-distinction to what happened last year when Sir A. Boscawen made the arrangement?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThat has already been done.