HC Deb 30 November 1927 vol 211 cc500-1
51. Dr. V. DAVIES

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that, for the sake of the public health, the authorities of the United States of America have placed restrictions upon the import into that country of South American meat from sources infected with foot-and-mouth disease; and will he consider the desirability of discussing this aspect of the question with the Minister of Health, so as to be sure that the health of the people of this country is adequately safe-guarded?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

An Order was issued by the United States Department of Agriculture on 17th September, 1926, which prohibits the importation of fresh or frozen beef, veal, mutton, lamb or pork from countries in which rinderpest or foot-and-mouth diseases exists, in order to prevent the introduction of the contagion of such diseases into the United States. The Order appears to be designed to protect animals, because human beings do not suffer from rinderpest. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that practically all meat imported into Great Britain from South America is examined and passed by Government inspectors of the countries of origin, and is subject to further inspection on arrival in this country.

Dr. DAVIES

Is it the opinion of the Ministry of Agriculture that there is no danger to human beings in allowing meat, which may be contaminated with foot-and-mouth disease, to come into this country?

Mr. GUINNESS

As the practice is to cook meat before people eat it, I do not think that there is much danger. The recorded cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been traced to milk or contact with diseased animals. I do not think that there is any evidence in the case of cooked meat.

Mr. LAMB

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the fact that other countries have thought it necessary to exclude this meat in the interest of the health of the stock, that he is satisfied that there is no necessity for it in this country?

Mr. GUINNESS

We are dealing with the matter by negotiating with the South American Governments to induce them to take measures which are designed to prevent the introduction of disease into this country by special regulations, which we hope will be made.