§ 4 Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Agriculture the reasons for maintaining a system of movement licensing for farm stock; and when he intends to terminate this control.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI understand that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to control of movement of attested stock to shows and sales. I consider that such control is necessary and I am explaining the reasons fully by letter.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottWould my right hon. Friend agree that now that the majority of our herds are becoming attested, the burden of getting a movement licence should fall more upon the owners of the non-attested than of the attested herds?
Mr. T. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the nearer we are getting to complete attestation the greater the measure of control which must be exercised?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI think that on this occasion I can agree with both my hon. and gallant Friend and with the right hon. Gentleman. The position is that no permit is required today under the scheme for the movement of an animal from an attested herd to one which is not subject to the rules of the scheme, or to the non-attested section of a show or sale, but in that case the animal cannot afterwards return to the attested herd.