§ 59. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the National Sheep Breeders' Association are experiencing exceptional difficulties at the present time about shipping space for the export of pedigree sheep overseas; and what are the numbers and estimated value of the animals involved and the countries affected?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am informed that difficulties have been experienced in obtaining shipping space for the export 1602 of pedigree sheep, and I understand that 211 sheep are awaiting export. Arrangements have already been made for 58 of these to be shipped on l0th January through the London Quarantine Station, but in the case of the remaining 153 sheep, arrangements are still outstanding. I have no information at the present time of the estimated value of the animals involved, but all are destined for the Union of South Africa.
§ Mr. MorganHas the right hon. Gentleman taken no action on his own part to secure the expeditious shipment of these sheep?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe provision of shipping space for sheep is really a matter for the exporter, and not for me. The present difficulty in regard to these sheep, which are destined for South Africa, has arisen out of a particular scheme for free carriage which the Union of South Africa sponsors.
§ Mr. MorganCan the right hon. Gentleman not take any action to expedite the export of these sheep, in view of their importance and the need for money?
§ Mr. MorrisonNot beyond arranging for the release of sheep from the quarantine station, which is under my control, at times convenient for the transhipment of them to their destination.