HC Deb 15 June 1931 vol 253 cc1424-5
27. Mr. ROSBOTHAM

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantity of hay and straw imported into this country for the years 1928, 1929 and 1930 respectively; from what countries these imports have come; whether these importations are subject to licence; and whether precautions are taken to preclude the possibility of foot-and-mouth or any other disease coming in from the countries which export hay and straw.

Dr. ADDISON

I propose with my hon. Friend's permission to circulate a table showing the quantity of hay and straw imported into the United Kingdom from abroad during each of the years 1928, 1929 and 1930, and the countries from which these imports came. The Foreign Hay and Straw Orders of the Ministry prohibit the importation of hay and straw, except by special licence, from countries in which foot-and-mouth disease exists, but this prohibition does not apply to hay and straw used at the time of importation as packing for merchandise nor to manufactured straw not intended for use as fodder or litter for animals. No restrictions on importation are imposed in connection with any other disease.

Following is the table:

UNITED KINGDOM.
Imports of Hay and Straw.
Country whence consigned. Quantity imported.
1928. 1929. 1930.
Hay. Tons. Tons. Tons.
Norway 260 1,378 6,532
Sweden — 42 4
United States of America. 4,514 228 1,118
Union of South Africa. 10 55 2,831
Canada 50,098 86,857 26,348
Irish Free State 3,839 4,402 2,699
Australia — 54 7
Channel Islands — — 36
Southern Rhodesia — — 4
Total 58,721 93,016 39,579
Straw.
Norway — — 65
United States of America. 12 6 2
Union of South Africa. 5 10 10
Canada — 245 —
Irish Free State 546 424 512
Total 563 685 589

Note.—None of these importations was subject to licence.

In addition, 12 samples of hay and 6 samples of straw were imported under special licences during the above-mentioned years for experimental purposes. These samples were brought from Kenya, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Sweden.