§ Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will consider the advisability of prohibiting foreign peat bedding being imported, in view of the danger of carrying infection from countries where foot-and-mouth disease prevails amongst cattle?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThis matter has been considered at various times, and, as at present advised, the Department do not see that adequate grounds exist for subjecting the importation of litter made from peat moss (the preparation of which takes place under conditions which appear to be very different from those applicable to hay and straw) to any restrictions under the Diseases of Animals Acts. Perhaps the hon. Member would think it desirable, however, to bring the question under the notice of the Committee (of which he is a Member) appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to inquire in relation to the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.