HC Deb 10 October 1940 vol 365 cc477-8
12. Dr. Little

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that fat cattle in considerable numbers are being smuggled across the border from Eire into Northern Ireland to be sold at the higher prices there obtainable; and whether he will take immediate steps to end this illegality, in fairness to the farmers and cattle-raisers of Northern Ireland?

Mr. Peake

The Livestock (Import from Eire and Isle of Man) Regulations, 1940, made by the Minister of Food on 15th August last gave considerably extended powers to the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, for the purpose of dealing effectively with the smuggling of all classes of stock from Eire. My right hon. Friend is advised that as a consequence there is now no considerable smuggling into Northern Ireland of cattle from Eire, and that the position is well in hand.

Dr. Little

Will my hon. Friend take strong measures, in conjunction with the authorities in Northern Ireland, to stop smuggling of every kind across the border?

Mr. Peake

If my hon. Friend studies the Order which was made on 15th August, he will see that the Northern Ireland authorities have very effective powers in this matter.

Mr. Lawson

Can the hon. Gentleman say from which side of the border these smugglers come?

Mr. Peake

The wrong side.