HC Deb 15 July 1913 vol 55 cc1083-4W
Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that there is no foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland and that live stock is rigidly inspected on both sides of the Channel, he will consider the advisability of allowing live stock to travel to markets or for immediate slaughter after inspection with a further reduced period of detention?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

After careful consideration of all the circumstances, I am satisfied that it would not be expedient to reduce further the period of detention at the landing-places in Great Britain prescribed by the Board's Order. The advantage of the detention, both as enabling the Board to prevent the spread of contagious disease, and ensuring that the animals receive sufficient food and rest after their voyage from Ireland, has been abundantly proved by experience.