§ 56. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any Canadian cattle have been imported for breeding purposes in the last year; and, if so, what steps are being taken to ensure that they are free from tuberculosis, mammitis, and other cattle diseases?
§ Mr. ELLIOT9,031 cattle capable of breeding were landed from Canada last year. All such animals on arrival are examined as to their suitability for breeding, and, if rejected, are required to be slaughtered; and they are also examined for freedom from scheduled diseases, which include certain forms of tuberculosis. Of the 9,031 cattle landed, 3,393 were rejected as unsuitable for breeding, and were slaughtered. The remaining number of 5,638 were admitted; but I have no information as to the proportion which were actually purchased for breeding purposes. As regards steps to ensure freedom from mammitis and other diseases, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on the 28th February to a question on the same subject by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore).
§ Captain HEILGERSWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that even now a great many of the leading breeders' societies are passing resolutions expressing grave anxiety about the present method of inspection?