§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. HOLLANDsaid, the Bill was intended to provide additional means of preventing the spread of infectious diseases among cattle, which had become very prevalent since the importations of foreign cattle had been legalized. In consequence of diseases thus imported, the farmers suffered great loss, while the consumers of meat were also injured by the sale of diseased meat and by the enhancement of price that had taken place. He thought that an extended system of inspection, under the control of the Privy Council, would be of great benefit in this matter, and the object of the Bill was to provide for such inspection. Considering, however, the period of the Session and the difficulties which stood in the way of a private Member, he should move that the order for the second reading be disharged, upon 44 the understanding that the Government would introduce a Bill to continue the present Act for a brief period, and in the mean time to consider whether a more complete measure could not be framed.
§ MR. BENTINCKremarked that the introduction of diseases among cattle had been one of the many blessings that had flowed from free trade.
MR. H. A. BRUCEsaid, the Government would introduce a Bill to continue the present Act. The evil that it was desired to cure was undeniable, but the difficulty was as to the best means of meeting it. Great vigilance was exercised at the ports to prevent the admission of diseased animals, and Mr. Gamgee, an eminent veterinarian, had been appointed to inquire into the subject. That gentleman had made a Report which was under the consideration of the Government with a view, if possible, of introducing a more complete measure in the next Session.
§ Order discharged: Bill withdrawn.