§ 56. Sir B. SHEFFIELDasked the Minister of Agriculture the area in North Lindsey (County of Lincolnshire) of the grazing land at present not stocked with cattle for feeding owing to the embargo placed on imported cattle by the Lindsey County Council; and is he aware that 900 cattle were admitted prior to the embargo, and not a single case of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred amongst them?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have no information with regard to the; first part of the question, but I am informed that there is a demand from a small proportion of the graziers in North Lines for the relaxation of the Regulations made by the local authority of the Lindsey area under the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Order of 1895. I regret that I do not see my way to interfere with the exercise by the local authority of its discretion to make such regulations, which will doubtless be modified or withdrawn by the local authority when the latter considers it safe to do so.
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the deterioration that is taking place on some of these grazing farms owing to the rapid growth of grass, and are any steps being taken in the matter?
§ Mr. BUXTONI do not think that that arises on this question. I should like to obtain accurate information.
§ Mr. BLUNDELLIs it not a fact that the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is 1448 almost entirely due to graziers and dealers?