§ MR. KAVANAGHasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether it is true that on the 3rd instant 200 oxen were landed at Thames Haven from Oporto off a vessel called the "Olga;" that several of these animals were found to be affected with foot and mouth disease, and were slaughtered in the Corporation lairs, but that the remainder of the cargo were sold for distribution over the country; and, whether he will consider how far home restrictions can be of avail in checking spread of disease while such facilities are afforded for its importation from foreign ports?
§ VISCOUNT SANDONSir, it is the fact that 200 oxen coming from Oporto were landed at Thames Haven from the Olga on the 3rd instant. They were then inspected and certified to be free from any contagious and infectious disease, including foot and mouth disease. They were exposed in the Metropolitan Cattle Market on the 4th instant, on which day six English boasts were seized on account of their being affected with foot and mouth disease. On the 8th instant, 11 foreign beasts, supposed to have formed part of the Olga's cargo, were found to be affected with foot and mouth disease, and were slaughtered accordingly. The rest of the cargo may have been distributed in the country. There is no reason to believe that the disease was imported by means of these animals. With respect to the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that the Lord President is giving his best attention to the consideration of the restrictions which may be made available for checking the spread of disease, while such 224 facilities are afforded for importation from foreign ports.