§ Mr. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether his Advisory Committee has expressed any definite opinion as to the expediency of his exercising the permissive powers under Section 2 of the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, with regard to the admission of breeding stock from Canada; if so, what was the opinion expressed;
(2) whether the draft order under Section 2 of the Importation of Animals 2192W Act, 1922, has been submitted to his Advisory Committee for their opinion; and, if so, with what result?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe draft order in question was submitted to the Agricultural Advisory Committee which recommended that no action be taken under Section 2 of the Act until experience has been obtained as to the working of Section 1.
§ Mr. DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture why the terms of the agreement with Canadian representatives in regard to the admission of breeding stock were embodied in legislation in a permissive form if that part of the agreement was regarded by the Government as mandatory?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI understand that my predecessor, in making the agreement with the Canadian representatives, had in mind that, while it was essential to allow as soon as possible the import of "store" cattle from Canada, power should be obtained to authorise the entry of breeding stock only after both Houses of Parliament had had a further opportunity of expressing their opinion on such a proposal. Section 2 of the Importation of Animals Act, therefore, was drafted in such a form that the admission of breeding animals required the issue of a General Order of the Minister, which has to be laid before each House of Parliament.