HC Deb 04 May 1927 vol 205 cc1623-4
54. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that certain borough councils have passed resolutions protesting against the delay in making the Order contemplated by Section 2 of the Importation of Animals Act, 1922 (Session 2), authorising the importation into Great Britain of non-tubercular Canadian cows and heifers; and if he intends to take any action in the matter?

Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (Comptroller of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received a number of resolutions from borough councils in the sense indicated. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to a similar question put to him by the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean on the 7th April last, a copy of which I am sending to him.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Has the hon. Baronet's attention been drawn to the opinions expressed by some of the chief medical officers of health and chief veterinary officers of some of our largest cities, that it is a very dangerous thing to introduce Canadian heifers into this country, because they are much more prone to get tuberculosis than our own heifers, which are practically immune, and will he consult with the Minister of Health with regard to this matter?

Mr. BLUNDELL

Is the hon. Baronet aware that some of the resolutions referred to in the question have been rescinded, on the misleading nature of the information upon which they were founded being pointed out to the councils in question?

Major Sir GRANVILLE WHELER

Will the hon. Baronet represent to his right hon. Friend that the understanding was that the only cattle to be imported should be fat cattle for slaughter and pedigree stock, and certainly not these store cattle?

Sir H. BARNSTON

My right hon. Friend has not the smallest intention of altering his decision.