HC Deb 29 June 1922 vol 155 cc2334-5W
Sir PHILIPPS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether cattle from Great Britain imported into Canada are allowed to enter without restrictions, or whether a period of quarantine is required; whether each animal has to be submitted to the tuberculin test; and whether, if cattle do not pass these tests, they are immediately slaughtered at the port of entrance?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Importation of cattle has been prohibited by the Canadian Government from England and Wales since 5th August, 1919, and from the whole of Great Britain since 31st January, 1922, owing to the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in this country. Prior to 5th August, 1919, importation of cattle was allowed from any port in Great Britain provided that the animals were accompanied by

(1) a certificate of health from a qualified veterinary surgeon;

(2) an export certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries testifying that no case of contagious pleuro-pneumonia, rinderpest, or foot-and-mouth disease has existed during the past six months in the district whence the animals came.

All cattle were subject to 30 days' quarantine on arrival. Cattle six months old or over were subjected to the tuberculin test, and those which showed clinical symptoms of tuberculosis were destroyed or otherwise disposed of as directed by the Canadian authorities.