HC Deb 05 December 1912 vol 44 c2504W
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked whether cattle landed at the store wharf at Birkenhead can at any time after their being landed be removed to the slaughter wharf at the will of the owner?

Mr. HERBERT LEWIS

The answer is in the negative. If cattle are sent to the detention lairs they must be kept there under the charge and observation of the Board's veterinary inspector until the prescribed period of detention is completed.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether in future, before licensing wharves in this country for the reception and detention of cattle from Ireland, he will stipulate that the controllers of the quarantine space, whether railway companies or corporate bodies, will not unduly favour large consigners, and that they will consider, and to a reasonable extent satisfy, the request of every applicant, and especially that of a feeder of cattle as distinguished from that of a wholesale dealer?

Mr. HERBERT LEWIS

My right hon. Friend will keep this matter in view, and will bring any specific complaints to the notice of the bodies concerned. But he does not think that it would be practicable or in the general interest to make any stipulation of the character suggested as a condition precedent to the approval of a landing place. Any attempt to do so might have the effect of seriously reducing the accommodation available for the reception of cattle.