§ Mr. Dobbieasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government have taken to lift the embargo on Irish store cattle coming into this country; and whether he is aware that many markets in the country have been badly handicapped through the embargo?
Mr. HudsonI am aware that the embargo which it has been necessary on disease grounds to maintain for some months past on the entry of Irish cattle into this country has inevitably created difficulties. I am glad to say, however, that in view of the improvement in the disease situation in Eire, imports of store cattle were resumed from 27th October, subject to certain safeguards against the possibility of introducing infection. In the interests of meat supply only the more forward animals are being admitted for the present and a substantial proportion of the available shipping space will be needed for bringing in fat cattle for immediate slaughter.
§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that fat cattle and sheep have been scarce at grading centres, mainly owing to the ban on imports of Irish livestock, which are normally used by North Country farmers as they can be brought forward as prime beef in three months or less, whereas it 2088W takes a much longer time to fatten animals reared in this country, which are often graded at 6 cwt., against an average of 10 cwt. that the Irish stores are turned into; and whether, under these circumstances and the need for increasing meat supplies, immediate attention will be given to this matter?
Mr. HudsonI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie) to-day, of which I am sending him a copy.