§ 62. Major OWENasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to take action to ensure that cattle imported from Northern Ireland, the Irish Free State, and other overseas sources for breeding or dairying purposes shall in future be subjected to the tuberculin test 1865 at the port of embarkation, and that only animals accompanied by certificates to the effect that they have successfully passed the test shall be allowed to land at ports in England, Scotland and Wales?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE(Mr. Elliot)I am informed that there is no reason to believe that tuberculosis is more prevalent among imported cattle than in native stock. I am also advised that the absence of reaction to a single test does not necessarily indicate freedom from tuberculosis. Having regard to these and other considerations I regret I am unable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.
§ Major OWENIf it is a fact that when cattle are exported from this country to foreign countries they have to carry with them a certificate that they are free from tuberculosis, why cannot we adopt similar regulations in this country with regard to cattle from other lands?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere are a great number of considerations into which I am afraid I should be unable to enter at present.