§ 20. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that during three months ending 12 May, 1933, an increase of over 6,500 cattle were imported from Northern Ireland ports into this country as compared with the same three months of 1932; whether he is aware that most of these cattle are from the Irish Free State, who are avoiding duty thereby; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with Northern Ireland, to protect our home markets from these importations?
§ Major ELLIOTCattle entering Northern Ireland from the Irish Free State are subject to the same duty as cattle exported direct to Great Britain from the Irish Free State. The last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question does not, therefore, arise.
Brigadier-General BROWNDoes the Minister know that all along the Border it is common knowledge that on any night you like, for 10s., you can get cattle driven in; and will he inquire as to whether it is not the fact that it is these cattle that are being shipped from Northern Ireland ports?
§ Major ELLIOTI think my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that that is a question of Customs administration, and it is not for me to answer.
§ Major ELLIOTAs there is a special Department which deals with Customs administration, it would be desirable that a question on Customs administration should be put to the Department responsible.