Mr. MILNEasked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to make it compulsory that East Indian wool imported into this country should be disinfected; whether he is aware that the carpet trade has stated that the cost of this disinfection would be 3.05d. per pound, and that as a result the article secured would be inferior, thereby resulting in a serious handicap upon the carpet trades in this country; and whether, under the circumstances, he will suspend the bringing of such an order into force pending a full and proper inquiry into the whole matter?
Mr. DAVIESI have been asked to reply to this question. The whole matter is receiving careful consideration. The figure of 3.05d. per pound was put forward by a deputation of manufacturers recently received by me. The calculations on which it is based are being scrutinised. On my present information, I am by no means prepared to admit that the additional cost due to disinfection would be anything like this figure.