§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the fact that there would be no disease risk, what reasons there are for preventing South-West farmers from exporting cattle to Northern Ireland for slaughter.
§ Mr. DunnNorthern Ireland is a net exporter of livestock and livestock products, and any risks to its animal health status must be carefully controlled. Unfortunately, there are animal disease risks present in England which are not present in Northern Ireland—for example, Johnes disease—and it is, therefore, incorrect to say that there is no disease risk attached to importing cattle from South-West England into Northern Ireland.