§ 35. Sir W. Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in his negotiations with regard to the ban on British livestock imports into Australia.
§ Mr. GodberThe prohibition of imports of certain livestock into Australia which took effect at the beginning of last month has been fully discussed with the Australian authorities. They have assured us that they entirely appreciate the concern of livestock breeders both in this country and in Australia. They state their decision was taken only after the most careful consideration of the disease blue tongue and its method of spread, and also of the disastrous consequences that would follow if the disease were to appear in Australia. They have said that the need for the ban will be kept under review but that no exception can be made in favour of imports from the United Kingdom.
§ Sir W. Anstruther-GrayWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that this is a serious matter, and will he keep on trying to persuade the Australian Government to reconsider their decision?
§ Mr. GodberWe accept entirely that it is a very serious matter. We have been in the closest consultation with the 1574 Australians on the point, and we have left them in no doubt whatever about our views. We should nevertheless realise just what a serious disease blue tongue is and what havoc it could cause either in this country or in Australia.