41. Dr. DAVIES (for Sir THOMAS WATTS)asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to Article 8 (1) (a) of the Importation of Dogs and Cats Order of 1928, by which cats on a ship must be confined in an enclosed part whilst the vessel is lying in any port in Great Britain; and if, in view of the importance of cats on board ship for keeping down rats, he will consider the advisability of making some suitable concession for ships where cats are kept for the purpose of keeping down rats?
Mr. GUINNESSI have received representations on behalf of the shipping companies as to the difficulty of complying as regards cats with Article 8 of the Importation of Dogs and Cats Order of 1928, and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, I am now in communication with the shipping companies as to a possible alternative procedure to that specifically laid down in the Order.