§ MR. AINSLIE (Lancashire, N. Lonsdale)asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, If he is aware that abortion in cattle is contagious, and is rapidly on the increase, and annually responsible for the premature death of thousands of calves; and, if he will consider the advisableness of scheduling abortion in cattle under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act?
THE CHANCELLOR (Sir UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH) (Lancashire, Clitheroe)Abortion among cattle is, doubtless, a cause of heavy losses; but there is no evidence that it is rapidly on the increase. The recurrence of such cases is due to a variety of causes, including insufficient precautions in cleansing places where it has occurred. But abortion is not a contagious disease, and does not call for the intervention of an Inspector, or the slaughter of cattle, and cannot, therefore, be included among the diseases to which the Act applies.