§ Lieut.-Colonel MORDENasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the generous offer of the Canadian Government to send between 4,000 and 5,000 calving heifers and stirks to restock Cheshire farms which have been depleted by foot-and-mouth disease; and whether he is taking measures to expedite this importation?
Mr. SMITHI have been asked to reply. As my right hon. Friend explained to the House on the 25th instant, he is aware of the offer of the Canadian Government to facilitate the purchase of cattle for restocking Cheshire farms, but after a careful consideration of all the factors involved, he came to the conclusion that the interests of the live-stock industry in this country would be best served by not allowing the importation.