§ 1. Sir J. Duncanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take against Craig Wheaton-Smith for smuggling Charollais bull semen into this country contrary to the Customs and Animal Health Regulations and causing to be shown at the Bath and West Show a product of this semen; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this sort of smuggling in the future which may be dangerous to the health of farm animals in this country.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)Inquiries into the circumstances of the alleged offence are not complete and I cannot anticipate their outcome.
§ Sir J. DuncanWill my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that this man might have cost him a million pounds in compensation to farmers for foot-and-mouth disease if the semen had contained the germ? In the circumstances, will he give an assurance that when his inquiries are complete this American millionaire smuggler will not 1216 be allowed to enter this country without being arrested and charged with his crime?
§ Mr. LloydI fully agree with my hon. Friend about the possible serious consequences of an action like this. I think, however, that I had better not comment on what might or might not happen until the inquiries are complete.