HC Deb 19 February 1951 vol 484 cc875-6
26. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Food what poultry it is intended to import, either directly through his Department or through private traders, during the months of March and April from countries where fowl pest is endemic.

Mr. Webb

My Department are not importing poultry from any source. Private traders are free to import poultry on open general licence from France and Belgium and on block licence from Poland, but I have no knowledge of the quantities likely to be imported during March and April. There are no imports of poultry from Hungary at present. I should emphasise that all these imports are subject to stringent safeguards, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Dye

Is it not a fact that these safeguards have not so far prevented outbreaks of fowl pest in this country as a result of these imports? Bearing in mind that an arrangement has been made whereby America does not import birds which are infested with fowl pest, why not stop forthwith imports from Continental countries also?

Mr. Webb

My hon. Friend ought to know that on all the evidence so far available it seems to me that the present outbreak of fowl pest arose not from any of these sources of imports, but from American sources of imports.

Mr. Alport

Is any poultry at present being imported from the United States in any shape or form?

Mr. Webb

Not for direct sale to consumers.

Mr. Dye

Has not my right hon. Friend read the answer which his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture gave to a Question on this very subject last Thursday, namely, that imports from Continental countries are proved beyond doubt to be a source of infestation?

Mr. Webb

I am in close contact with my right hon. Friend on this matter, but we have to balance two very conflicting and very difficult considerations. The need for imports of poultry is very real. As far as the risk of fowl pest is concerned, my right hon. Friend and I agreed to carry out certain quite stringent regulations, and I am quite prepared to cooperate with him even if it means, in the end, some sacrifice of our imports in order to protect the interests of our own producers.

Mr. Alport

Is poultry still being imported from the U.S.A. direct to American troops serving in this country?

Mr. Webb

That question ought to be put to some other Minister.