§ 84. Sir T. Mooreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent destruction, by burning, of a quantity of haggis exported to the U.S.A., on the ground that this might cause the spread of foot-and-mouth disease; and whether, in view of the desirability of maintaining such exports, he will refer the matter to the Agricultural Research Council, with a view to obtaining a full scientific report with regard to this matter.
§ Mr. BelcherI am happy to say that the haggis in question was consumed, not by burning, but at a St. Andrew's Night Dinner in Chicago. Under United States law consignments of meat or meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease are held by the United States Customs for inspection. This consignment of haggis was so held but was released when found to be cooked. The United Kingdom has been free of foot-and-mouth disease since 15th August of this year. This was notified to the American Embassy in London on 15th October after the period of two months required by50W United States import regulations. I have, therefore, asked our Embassy in Washington to remind the appropriate United States authorities of the true position. No other action would seem to be necessary.