DR. CAMERONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that two outbreaks of cattle plague occurred among the oxen sent from India for the use of the troops in Egypt; whether in one of those outbreaks the affected animals, instead of being destroyed and buried, were simply driven forth to die; and, whether the result was that the road to Kassassin having 1107 been thus infected cattle for the use of the troops were subsequently obliged to be sent up by train?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERYes, Sir; it is true that two outbreaks of cattle plague occurred among the Indian cattle. We have definite information as to the cattle first affected, 36 in number. Of these 10 died and 26 were destroyed and buried. We have no details as to the second outbreak among the Indian cattle, as to the numbers affected, or as to their disposal. It is not the fact that the road to Kassassin ever became infected; and the cattle were sent through by rail to Cairo, not on that account, but to insure their arriving in good condition for issue to the troops. There was not a single case of rinderpest or cattle plague throughout the campaign among the cattle destined for the use of the English troops.