§ Mr. PETOasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the reasons that have decided his Department to authorise the importation of breeding stock from Canada; what, if any, demand for such action has come from any section of the agricultural community in this country; and what are the benefits anticipated to agriculture in this country from the action contemplated by the Government?
§ Sir R. SANDERS:In view of the pledge given by my predecessor to the Canadian representatives at the Conference in October last, I feel bound to lay an Order before the Houses of Parliament. Particulars of the agreement reached at that Conference were announced in the Press on 4th November, 1922, and included a statement to the effect that the landing of Canadian cattle capable of breeding would require the authority of a general Order which would be made by the Minister of Agriculture and laid in draft before both Houses of Parliament. The Canadian representatives agreed that when the necessary Order came into force they would modify their regulations so 2772W as to make the British and Canadian conditions reciprocal.