HC Deb 19 July 1872 vol 212 cc1415-6
SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON

said, there was a report that there had been a case of cattle plague at Deptford, and he wished to know from the Vice President of the Council whether the report was correct? He should also like to hear from the right hon. Gentleman, Whether any steps were being taken to prevent the introduction of the disease from Foreign ports?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

replied that that morning one animal out of a cargo of 25 head of cattle which had arrived at Deptford from Cronstadt had, he believed, died of cattle plague, forming the first case that had occurred since the great epidemic. Having arrived there, they would be slaughtered, as would have been the case under any circumstances; but additional precautions would be taken in this case, for, if possible, no communication would be allowed with other parts of the country. The representative of the Veterinary Department had gone down to Deptford to see that that part of the market in which the animal died should be kept isolated not only from animals, but from persons; and the only fear he had was the danger of the infection being taken by any human being who might have happened to go near the animal. As to the animals themselves, every precaution should be taken to prevent the spread of the disease by destroying them, and disinfecting everything on board the vessel in which they came.

SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON

wished to know whether steps would be taken to prevent any further introduction of cattle from Russia?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

replied that the importation from Russia was very small, and the Order would that day be issued preventing it.

SIR JAMES ELPHINSTONE

asked how the right hon. Gentleman meant to deal with the ship which brought over the infected animal, for if it went to any other port it might spread the disease there?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

replied that his power was limited by the Act of Parliament. The power he possessed was to take care that the ship was thoroughly disinfected, but he was not aware that the Department had power definitely to stop ships.