HC Deb 11 March 1872 vol 209 cc1756-7
MR. DENT

asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council, Whether he has received any information as to an International Conference to be held in Vienna under the presidency of the Minister of Agriculture, in order to come to an understanding upon an uniform course of action for preventing the spread of the Cattle Plague; and, whether the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council will be represented at such a Conference?

MR. GOURLEY

asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council, If his attention has been called to a report in the "The Times" of the 8th March of an International Conference being about to be held on the 16th instant at Vienna, under the presidency of the Austrian Minister of Agriculture, in order to come to an understanding upon an uniform course of action for preventing the spread of the Cattle Plague; and, whether Her Majesty's Government has deputed a properly qualified representative to attend such Conference?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Sir, some months ago the Privy Council were informed through the Foreign Office, of the intention of the Austrian Government to call such a Conference as is mentioned by my hon. Friends, and the result of the communication between the Governments was, that we thought we ought to be represented at such a Conference, and, in consequence, we have sent a gentleman whom we deem best qualified to represent us. It is clear from the correspondence that some gentleman was required who knew the state of the law and was acquainted with its administration, as well as the requirements of the food supply of the country, and, consequently, I am glad to be able to state that Dr. Williams, the Secretary of the Veterinary Department, will represent us. I believe the Conference has been convened, not from any special outbreak of the disease, but from a desire on the part of the Austrian Government that all those countries that are interested should consider as to the best means of preventing the introduction of the Cattle Plague, by controlling the export from the East to the West.