§ The DUKE of RICHMONDthen moved for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the operation of an Act to prohibit the importation of sheep, cattle, and other animals for the purpose of preventing the introduction of contagious or infectious diseases (11th and 12th Victoria, C. 105), with a view of rendering its provisions more efficient than at present. In making that Motion, he did not introduce it to their Lordships as either a party or a political Motion, but because the Act in question was a most injurious measure, was utterly uncalled for, and was productive of great evil, and had been productive of much injury to the agricultural interest. He was not going to try to get rid of this Act of Parliament by a side wind, or by any indirect means—but the facts con- 624 nected with it were of such importance that it should be known whether the importation of foreign cattle had given rise to any contagious diseases among our own sheep and cattle. He asked for this Committee not only to protect the interests of our own agriculture from injury, but also to see whether we could not prevent unwholesome food from being sold to the people of this country. As he understood that it was not the intention of his noble Friend the Vice-President of the Board of Trade to object to the appointment of this Committee, he would not trespass on the time of their Lordships further than to say, that he was quite willing to leave the nomination of the Members of it in the hands of his noble Friend.
§ On Question, Resolved in the Affirmative; the Committee to be named to-morrow.
§ House adjourned till To-morrow.