Dr. DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture if any meat has arrived in this country from South America in recent years showing evidence of foot-and-mouth disease; if so, what representations, if any, have been made to the South American authorities as to the lack of efficiency of their inspection before shipment to this country; and if any such meat has escaped the vigilance of the inspectorate in this country at the port of arrival here?
§ Sir K. WOODI have been asked to reply. No instance of suspected foot-and-mouth disease in meat imported into this country from South America has been reported, although the inspectors at the ports of arrival have for many years1204W examined meat for evidence of this disease. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any authenticated evidence of meat affected with foot-and-mouth disease escaping the vigilance of the inspectors at the ports.