Mr. Dodson on Monday proposed an amendment to the new
'Cattle Diseases Bill, compelling the Privy Council to prohibit importation "whenever they are not satisfied in respect to any foreign country, or any specified part thereof," that the sanitary -arrangements "afford reasonable security" against infection. The effect of this clause is to throw the onus of refusing to pro- hibit upon the Lord President, but to leave him a discretion, particularly as to the ostracism of a whole country when -only part is affected. This amendment was accepted all over the House, except by a small number of Members who are pro- bably at heart opposed to all restrictions. Mr. Broadhurst made a bitter speech against the Bill, which he said was intended by landlords to restrict the food of the people in order that out of their sufferings back rents might be paid. The tenant-farmers would not benefit by the Bill, but only the rent-receivers. Mr. Ryiands partly agreed with him ;. and Mr. Jacob Bright, who added that the idea that if no foreign cattle came English cattle would not be sick was nonsense. As well say that if no foreigners came English men and women would never be The objectors took a division, but the great parties were satis- fied, and the vote for the amendment was 357 to 48. We dare say the Government were justified in passing their Bill by compromise ; but if meat grows dearer, the towns will blame them, and the counties will show them no gratitude.
Previous page
