HC Deb 20 March 1866 vol 182 cc581-2
MR. BAILLIE COCHRANE

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What are the rules to be applied in Scotland with respect to the slaughter of infected sheep? It was stated the other night that the same rule would apply to sheep as to cattle; but if that were so, he should be glad to know what course should be adopted in the event of the disease breaking out on a large hill farm?

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, in reply, that if the hon. Member referred to the Act of Parliament, he would see that it directed the slaughter of all infected animals.

MR. BAILLIE COCHRANE

said, he wished to know whether, if on a large farm the disease should make its appearance, the inspector would have the power of ordering any number of sheep to be slaughtered?

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, the hon. Gentleman ought to have put that Question when the Bill was under discussion. The interpretation of the Act is not left to the Government, but to the judicial authorities.