HC Deb 19 May 1924 vol 173 cc1830-1
57. Lieut.-Colonel RUDKIN

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the serious position that farmers in the West Sussex district are placed in owing to the continued restrictions regarding foot-and-mouth disease in that locality; that this county has been free from outbreaks for a considerable length of time; that at this season of the year it is important that farmers should be able to import and export cattle and sheep to consume the summer grass; that it is impossible for farmers to successfully conduct business without the opportunity of acquiring cattle outside their county; and that there is a strong feeling amongst farmers in the district in favour of a proper system of isolation and import and export under licence; and if he will take steps to remedy this evil without undue delay?

Mr. BUXTON

The restrictions referred to have been imposed by the local authority of the county for the protection of their flocks and herds, and so long as foot-and-mouth disease exists in other parts of the country I do not see my way to interfere with their discretionary powers to make such Regulations. The local authority should be in the best position to judge the needs of the farmers in West Sussex, and to determine whether any modification of their present restrictions is justifiable.

Lieut.-Colonel RUDKIN

Is the Minister aware that, as the summer is fast approaching, unless this matter is dealt with very soon, the opportunity which the farmers seek of feeding the new summer grass will be lost, and will he bear that fact in mind?

Mr. BUXTON

Yes, but I hope the majority of farmers of West Sussex are able to make their views felt at the county council.

Earl WINTERTON

Do I understand the Minister, in saying that he does not interfere with the discretion of local councils, to mean that he does not notify them from time to time of the views of his own expert advisers as to whether Regulations should be kept on or taken off; and has there been any communication with the local council on this matter in the last few months, at all events?

Mr. BUXTON

The officials keep in close touch with them, but I think it would be inadvisable to urge our views too strongly on local bodies.

Earl WINTERTON

Has the Minister given his views at all to the West Sussex County Council as to whether the Regulations are desirable or not?

Mr. BUXTON

It would be unwise, to do so in detail. In general we do express our views.