HC Deb 01 May 1882 vol 268 c1811
MR. W. LOWTHER

asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether three members of the Board of Guardians at Oldham lately bought the carcase of a pig which the medical officer had ordered to be killed and burned; whether the carcase of the pig was sold to a butcher for twenty-five shillings by these three guardians; whether, on the facts becoming known, the money was handed over to the master of the workhouse; and, whether those three gentlemen continue to act as guardians?

MR. DODSON

I have caused inquiry to be made into this matter; but it does not appear that the medical officer ordered the pig in question to be killed, although, assuming that it was suffering from the same malady as another one which had been taken ill, he suggested that the carcase should be burnt. It is right, however, to say that he does not appear to have seen the pig; and the Guardians afterwards called in a veterinary surgeon, who examined the carcase and distinctly stated that it was fit for human food. The pig was subsequently taken away and sold by three of the Guardians for a sovereign, and the amount paid by one of them to the master of the workhouse. The three Guardians who took away the pig still continue to act as Guardians.