§ COLONEL KINGSCOTEasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether the attention of the Department has been directed to the increased and increasing number of cases of glanders and farcy in the Metropolis; whether any steps can be taken to carry out more effec- 1610 tually the Act of 1878 and Orders of Council relating to these diseases; and, whether the President of the Council would require the local authority to publish such a Return as could be laid before the House of Commons, stating the number of cases that has been reported, as well as the number of places where the diseases have occurred within the Metropolis, from 1st January, 1879, to April 30th, 1880, also showing the monthly increase or decrease.
§ MR. MUNDELLAThe Veterinary Department is of opinion that glanders and farcy were much more prevalent in the Metropolis formerly than they are at present. The increase in the number of cases reported is believed to be due to the greater energy displayed by the local authorities since the passing of the Act of 1878. Several prosecutions have been instituted, and heavy fines inflicted; and this, coupled with the alarm produced by the reported death of two persons last year from glanders, has made owners of glandered horses more ready to report cases of disease. The Privy Council have been in frequent communication with the Metropolitan Board of Works with a view to the vigorous exercise of the authority they possess under the Act, and have this week again addressed them on the subject. It is right to say that the Board have at all times manifested their readiness to do what has been required of them. I shall be happy to give a Return on the subject if the hon. and gallant Member will move for it.