HC Deb 22 February 1924 vol 169 c2166W
Captain DIXON

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the fact that investigations by his Department have shown that Ireland has been free from foot-and-mouth disease for the past 12 months, he will withdraw the cattle embargo at the ports?

Mr. BUXTON

I may explain that, in consequence of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Nottingham among Irish animals which had recently been landed at Bristol, the Ministry decided to prohibit the landing of Irish cattle except for slaughter at the ports until inquiries had been made to ascertain, if possible, the origin of infection. It now seems clear that the cattle were infected at Nottingham, and, as no suspicion attaches to the health of the cattle in Ireland, the embargo has now been lifted.