§ Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in the absence of any animal disease in Ireland, he is prepared to open the ports in Great Britain with the exception of Birkenhead?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn consequence of the uncertainty which unfortunately still exists as to the cause of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease among Irish animals in the lairages at Birkenhead, I regret that I do not feel justified at present in withdrawing the restrictions.