Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to bring the law governing the importing of live cattle from Eire into Great Britain into line with the present restrictions that operate between Eire and Northern Ireland, especially having regard to the brucellosis position in Eire, and the Northern Ireland legislation brought into operation on 15th November 1975 (Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland) 1975 No. 298; and when he expects to have the position equalised between the different parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. StrangI assume the hon. Member has tuberculosis rather than brucellosis in mind, in view of his reference to the legislation of 15th November.
We are in touch with the Government of the Irish Republic concerning the proposed introduction of certain additional requirements concerning tuberculosis for certain categories of cattle exported from 489W the Irish Republic to Great Britain. Some differences in the requirements for cattle entering Northern Ireland from the Republic and those entering Great Britain may still remain when these discussions are concluded. I cannot predict how long any such differences might remain.