HC Deb 05 May 1960 vol 622 cc1250-1
30. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with the United States Government concerning the exports of British pedigree cattle to the United States of America.

Mr. Hare

The United States Government prohibits on animal health grounds direct imports of cattle from this country and I have had no recent consultations with that Government on this subject.

Mr. Peart

Referring to the Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, East (Mr. Mackie), it is reported in the excellent Farming Express that the Director of Animals Inspection and Quarantine Division of the United States Department of Agriculture stated, even before the Terrington Report has been published, that that Report will not necessarily have any influence on American policy? Is not there a danger that there will be a further restriction on British exports?

Mr. Hare

The United States Government prohibit direct imports of cattle from this country, on animal health grounds. It would be better for the hon. Member and myself to read the Report and see what it contains before coming to conclusions upon the possibly wholly fallacious reports that we have read in the Press.