§ 37. Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any inquiries have been made by the Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand for an extension of privileges in regard to the importation of live stock similar to those extended to Canada?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Islington (Major-General Sir N. Moore) on 14th March in reply to a somewhat similar question. The position has been explained to the Government of New Zealand as well as to the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.
§ Mr. J. HOPE SIMPSONIs it the policy of the Government to admit Empire fat cattle freely into this country for breeding purposes?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI cannot add to what I have already said. The policy has been pretty generally stated.
§ 68. Mr. MILLARasked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health the harbour or ship dues and other charges payable at the ports of Glasgow and Dundee, respectively, for vessels engaged in the Canadian cattle trade entering these ports, and also in respect of the Canadian livestock landed there, as compared with the corresponding dues and rates exacted at at English ports?
Mr. THOMSONMy Noble Friend is not in possession of the information desired by the hon. and learned Member.
§ Mr. MILLARIs it not the case that the Scottish Office have full information as to the dues payable at these ports, and, since this question which has arisen is one of great urgency, will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter, as the trade of Scotland is prejudiced?
Mr. THOMSONAll questions arising under the recent Importation of Animals Act, 1922, are under the control of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, and I would suggest that, if my hon. and learned Friend has any inquiries to make, they should be addressed to him.
§ Mr. MILLARSurely the Scottish Members are entitled to a reply on a matter which affects Scotland and Scottish dues?
Mr. THOMSONYes, and if my hon. and learned Friend will put down a question to the Minister whom I have mentioned, he will get the information as far as it is possible to give it.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it impossible, or do the officials at the Scottish Office not desire, to get this information for themselves and to know it?