§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of railway trucks of British or Continental origin which enter or re-enter this country from countries where foot-and-mouth disease exists; the manner of packing the goods in these trucks; and what regulations are enforced on re-entry to ensure rigid inspection of the material in which the goods are packed?
§ Mr. BurginI am informed by the Railway Companies concerned that the number of railway wagons which arrived in this country by the Dover-Dunkirk and Harwich-Zeebrugge train ferries during the month of October last was 1,870 and that the requirements of the Foot - and - Mouth Disease (Packing Materials) Orders, 1925 and 1926, are strictly complied with.
§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of cars and other mechanically propelled vehicles carried by steamers from Continental countries during the month of October last; whether he is aware of the danger that foot-and-mouth infection may be carried by such vehicles; and what steps are taken to ensure that a thorough inspection is carried out of these cars on their re-entry into this country?
§ Mr. BurginDuring October last 1,849 mechanically propelled vehicles entered this country from the Continent of Europe by the principal regular routes. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture informs me that he has no information indicating that foot-and-mouth infection may be carried by these vehicles and that no inspection of them, other than that of the Customs Officers, is required.