§ 56. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Minister of Agriculture for what period the present embargo upon the importation of fresh meat from the Continent is Continent is operative; and whether it is the intention of the Government to guarantee the continuance of the embargo for a period of years?
Mr. GUINNESSWhile the position on the Continent of Europe as regards foot-and-mouth disease remains in so unsatisfactory a state, I cannot contemplate any substantial modification or the withdrawal of the Order in question. It is impossible for me, however, to guarantee that the restrictions will remain in force for any specified time.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs the right, hon. Gentleman aware that the extension of growing in this country, which everyone hopes for, can only come about if some guarantee is given?
Mr. GUINNESSI think the farmers can pretty well assess the chances of improvement on the Continent. As a
Mr. GUINNESSI propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate in the OFFICIAL EFFORT a statement giving the desired information.
§ Following is the statement:
§ matter of fact, since we put on the embargo Continental conditions have become much worse; and in France, Belgium and Holland whereas in May they had 7,086 outbreaks, in the last available month, that is September, they had 38,548 outbreaks, and we can compare that with our comparative immunity under the embargo of one outbreak in the last three weeks.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIn view of these figures, world it not be advisable to give at least a limited guarantee to the growers in this country that this embargo will continue for, say, a year or two years?
Mr. GUINNESSWhile the disease danger is as it is at present, clearly we cannot contemplate any relaxation, but it would he impossible, in view of the possibility of change, to mak any lasting pledge.