HC Deb 05 June 1924 vol 174 cc1446-7
54. Sir BERKELEY SHEFFIELD

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of imported cattle and livestock generally landed in this country since 1st January, 1924?

Mr. BUXTON

The numbers of livestock landed at ports in Great Britain in the five months January to May, 1924, as returned by the Ministry's inspectors at the ports, were

Cattle 400,017
Sheep 135,329
Swine 118,334
These figures include 376,390 cattle, 134,570 sheep, and 118,069 swine from Ireland.

Mr. HOPE SIMPSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how these figures compare with those of last year?

Mr. BUXTON

I should not like to give figures without giving them exactly. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

55. Sir B. SHEFFIELD

asked the Minister of Agriculture if all cattle imported into this country are inspected at the ports of landing by specially trained qualified veterinary surgeon inspectors, under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture, and has any case of foot-and-mouth disease been discovered by the inspectors amongst any of the cattle landed?

Mr. BUXTON

All animals imported into this country are landed at specially authorised premises, at which they are examined by qualified veterinary inspectors appointed for the purpose by the Ministry. In no case during the present outbreak has foot-and-mouth disease been found to exist in animals on landing.