HC Deb 17 March 1932 vol 263 cc457-8
64. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in pursuance of the discretion allowed to him under Section 27 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, he will reconsider the application made to his Department by Mr. R. Browning, of Tey Brook, Great Tey, Essex, in November last, for a licence to import two Landrace pigs from Denmark, as the reason for the application is for the purpose of improving the quality of that farmer's pigs?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have reviewed this matter and see no reason for altering the decision already reached.

Mr. LEWIS

Am I to understand that the Minister is not willing to give a licence to any stockbreeder to import any of his stock?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The rule is that if a breed society brings stock into the country we consider it, but in individual cases like this it is unnecessary. We take the view that it is undesirable, particularly in view of the amount of foot-and-

respect of the subsidy period up to and including the 1930–31 season, is as follows:

mouth disease that exists in foreign countries.

Mr. PIKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the suggestion that breeders abroad are more likely to protect their own bacon than that of other people?