HC Deb 05 December 1912 vol 44 cc2503-4W
Mr. CRUMLEY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that recent concessions as to the export of pigs from Ireland have proved inoperative, inasmuch as the London and North-Western Railway Company have refused to carry live pigs, and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board provide no accommodation for pigs during quarantine; whether these public companies are, respectively, bound to accept pigs for delivery and to provide adequate accom- modation during quarantine; and whether he can now see his way to open English and Scottish markets for the sale of pigs for slaughtering purposes during the Christmas season?

Mr. HERBERT LEWIS

My right hon. Friend is aware that some complaints on this subject have been made, and he is communicating with the railway company and the Harbour Board on the subject. He has, however, no power to require them to provide accommodation for the landing of pigs or to accept consignments for shipment. The reply to the concluding question is in the negative.