§ MR. READasked the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, 403 Whether the Government intend to compensate the owners of cattle suffering from cattle plague which were slaughtered by the order of the Government Inspectors previous to the passing of the Cattle Diseases Act of February, 1866; and, if so, at what rate compensation will be granted, and over what period it will extend?
MR. CORRYArrangements have been made for granting compensation for diseased animals slaughtered under the authority of the Orders in Council between the 26th of August, 1865, and the 23rd of the following November, at which date the slaughtering powers were revoked on the recommendation of the Cattle Plague Commissioners. From the 23rd of November to the passing of the Act at the beginning of last Session the inspectors had no power to order the slaughter of diseased animals, and consequently the Government are not disposed to grant compensation for that period. The rate at which the compensation will be made from August to November, 1865, will be the same as that fixed by the Act of last Session—that is to say, one-half the value of the animal, less any amount received from insurance, local rates, or the sale of the hide or carcass.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYWill Returns be made giving detailed information respecting the cattle plague?
MR. CORRYReturns giving detailed information respecting claims for compensation for losses by the cattle plague were called for; but when they were examined in the office they were not considered to be satisfactory Returns, and they were accordingly sent back to the local authorities for revision. I have not beard, however, whether the revised Returns have been yet received. I do not imagine that there would be any objection to lay them upon the table.
§ MR. HUNTA supplementary Estimate, delivered this morning, of £25,000 will be taken to meet this compensation.
MR. GLADSTONEI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether he will take care that ample notice shall be given before that Estimate is submitted to the consideration of the House?
§ MR. READAm I to gather from the right hon. Gentleman's remarks that in no case will compensation be given for carcasses or hides buried by Order of the Council?
MR. CORRYNo compensation will be given for animals slaughtered between the 23rd of November and the passing of the Act of last Session. The compensation to be given after the passing of that Act is fixed by the Act itself.