§ Mr. MILLSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board of Agriculture will prohibit the importation of feeding stuffs from countries infected with foot-and-mouth disease, in view of the fact that experts agree that the germ can be carried by hay, straw, and other feeding stuffs?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIn view of the very considerable quantity of feeding stuffs imported from abroad, the issue of an Order for the purpose suggested would be attended with most serious consequences, alike to agriculturists and to the community as a whole.
§ Mr. MILLSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, despite the order of the Board of Agriculture, dated 4th March, 1908, prohibiting the importation of hay and straw from countries infected with foot-and-mouth disease, quantities of eggs are 1320W imported into this country packed in hay or straw, which is in all probability infected with the disease; and whether he will take steps to prevent this?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Order to which the hon. Member refers does not apply to hay and straw used for packing merchandise. Its extension, as suggested, would be attended with considerable loss and inconvenience, and the Board do not think that the amendment of the Order in this respect could be justified at present, as no infection has been traced to this source.