§ 23. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to a recent resolution passed by the Birmingham City Council requesting that he should make an Order as contemplated by Section 2 of the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, thereby authorising the importation into Great Britain of non-tubercular Canadian cows and heifers; and if he is prepared to accede to the request submitted by the council?
Mr. GUINNESSThe answer to the first part is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a similar question which was addressed to me on the 7th of April last by the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Purcell), a copy of which I am sending to him.
§ Colonel DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman had many of these resolutions from councils both in London and in the provinces?
Mr. GUINNESSYes; I think a sealed pattern resolution was sent round to all the local authorities. A great many urban authorities responded and forwarded these ready-drafted resolutions, but I believe I am right in saying that not a single rural county council accepted the advice given.
§ Sir ROBERT SANDERSIs it not the case that such an Order would require the consent of this House?
Mr. GUINNESSYes, that is so. There is an overwhelming feeling among agriculturists against any such Order, and there is a great feeling of resentment against this body which, with no foundation, has made most alarmist statements about the health of British cattle.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEHas the Minister any information as to what are the vested interests responsible for sending round these circulars to local bodies?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise.