HC Deb 05 April 1951 vol 486 cc379-80
48. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet made any order under the Diseases of Animals Act to ensure the better protection of horses in transit between Eire and the United Kingdom.

Mr. T. Williams

No, Sir. For the reasons explained in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Gillingham (Squadron Leader Burden) and the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott), on 8th March, I am afraid it will not be possible to make this order for a little time yet.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Could The Minister say when the order might be available? Would it be later in the summer?

Mr. Williams

A provisional order has been sent to the various bodies, including the Eire Government, the Northern Ireland Government and the Ministry of Transport. We are awaiting their observations.

Mr. Peter Freeman

In the meantime, will my right hon. Friend refuse to allow animals to be moved from Eire in bad weather which was mentioned as having happened on a previous occasion when this matter was originally raised?

Mr. Williams

I have no power to deal with what leaves Eire.