§ 96. Mr. CHRISTIEasked the Minister of Health whether he will state his reasons for issuing an order to all producers of certified and grade A (TT) milk, forbidding them to send their animals to agricultural shows; and whether he is aware of the slur which such an order casts upon pedigree stock whose world-wide repute permit of a valuable British export trade?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIt came to my notice that the conditions under which animals are housed at shows at which both tuberculin tested and untested animals are exhibited were such as to involve a serious risk of infection to the tested animals. I therefore informed the producers concerned that I could not in future consent to the temporary withdrawal of animals from licensed herds for the purpose of sending them to a show unless the show is restricted to tuberculin tested cattle. I may add that before coming to this decision I consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, and also the Certified and Grade "A" (Tuberculin Tested) Producers' Association.
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBWill the right hon. Gentleman say whose report was taken with regard to these herds?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI could not say that without notice.
§ Mr. CHRISTIEWill the right hon. Gentleman say why it should be necessary to apply this restriction to bulls as well as cows?
§ Mr. HASLAMMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will publish the evidence on which action was taken?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI do not think it is possible to do that, because it has come from several sources.
§ Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISEDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the great harm he will do to agricultural shows if some of the best animals from some of the very best tested herds are prevented from being exhibited? The number of exhibits will fall in consequence.
Dr. DAVIESIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that his action is a gross interference with the liberty of the people? What evidence has he that the showing of these animals in a show yard can ultimately affect their health?