§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the difficulties that will arise regarding the uncontrolled imports of livestock once the whole of the United Kingdom becomes an attested area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareImports into Great Britain of cattle, sheep, goats, all other ruminating animals and swine otherwise than for immediate slaughter are, in general, prohibited under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950. There are certain exceptions, and I presume my hon. Friend has in mind imports of store cattle from the Irish Republic. The future of this trade when the whole of Great Britain becomes an attested area is under active discussion between the authorities concerned.
§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will issue, for the benefit of the agricultural community in the United Kingdom, a list of the laws and regulations that control the import into European countries of cattle from other countries.
§ Mr. John HareI am afraid that any such publication would rapidly become obsolete and misleading because of the constant changes in the laws and regulations of foreign countries. I am advised by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that authoritative guidance could best be secured through the Embassies in London of the countries concerned.