THE EARL OF BELMOREasked the noble Duke the Lord President of the Council, Whether it is true that swine landed in tins country from America have been found to be affected with trichinosis; and, if so, whether the Government intend to take any precautions against the introduction of the disease?
THE DUKE OF RICHMOND AND GORDONIn answer to my noble Friend, I have to state that in consequence of reports which I received from abroad, a certain portion of swine landed from America in this country were subjected, by my order, to examination by the proper officers of the Veterinary Department, and I regret to say that the result has been the discovery of trichinosis in some of the animals. The investigations are being continued, and therefore I am unable to state what steps, if any, it may be necessary to take in the matter. I would remind my noble Friend that swine coming from America are killed at the port of landing. I am glad that my noble Friend has put the Question, because it enables mo to caution the public in the matter, and to mention that the best precaution against the spread of this complaint—so dire in its effects upon the human species—is that all portions of the swine—ham, pork, and bacon—should be thoroughly well cooked before they are made use of.