§ Mr. ROYCEasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has received complaints from Norfolk farmers and Irish cattle importers relating to restrictions at Norwich in the matter of lairs for cattle the night before market; and whether, seeing that these restrictions impose unnecessary expense and loss on those using this market, he can take any action by way of remedy?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe reply to the first part is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I do not agree that the detention of cattle in an approved lairage imposes unnecessary expense and loss on those using Norwich market. The whole object of the provision of authorised lairages was to meet the convenience of the trade. They enable imported cattle702W to be brought to an inland authorised market prior to the date of sale and held there under the supervision of the local authority. I am unable under the provisions of the schedule to the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, to allow free movement until the statutory period of detention for six days, which is stated in the licence authorising movement of such cattle from the port, has expired.