§ MR. DUCKHAM (Herefordshire, Leominster)asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether he can inform the House of the number of cattle that have been slaughtered in Great Britain in order to stamp out pleuro-pneumonia, under the provisions of "The Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, 1878," also the number that have been reported to have died whilst suffering with the disease, and the amount of compensation paid out of local rates for the cattle slaughtered; whether he can enumerate the counties or places in great Britain in which the disease was reported to have existed during the week ending 20th March, 1886; and, whether he can supply similar information from Ireland? He further asked when the Bill would be introduced?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY (Sir UGHTRED KAY - SHUTTLEWORTH) (Lancashire, Clitheroe)I can assure my hon. Friend that each of the points mentioned in his Question has been carefully considered in the preparation of the Bill. But it would not be regular, until the Bill is introduced, to enter into any details as to its clauses. Lord Spencer is anxious to introduce the Bill as soon as possible in the other House; but some delay is unavoidable owing to the necessity of communicating with three Departments. An answer has been received from the Irish Office; but there is no answer as yet from the Scotch Office, nor from the Local Government Board.