§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether any information can be given respecting the numerous outbreaks of anthrax that have taken place in various parts of Great Britain during the past six months, and whether they have been traced to the use of railway trucks for the conveyance of foreign hides, the same trucks being subsequently used with cattle?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)(who replied) said: An inquiry in reference to the recent outbreaks of anthrax is now being conducted by the officers of the Agricultural Department. There is no reason, however, to believe that the disease has been more prevalent during the last six months than previously. The Anthrax Order of September last imposes on the owners of animals the obligation to give notice of the disease, and on the Inspectors the duty of making Returns weekly; hence public attention has been called to outbreaks which otherwise would have escaped notice. None of the outbreaks have been traced to railway trucks in which foreign hides had been previously carried.
§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNEasked, what steps the Government were prepared to take to stamp out anthrax in Cheshire?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he was not himself able to give an answer to that Question without Notice.