§ MR. E. ROBERTSON(for Dr. FARQUHARSON) (Aberdeenshire, W.)asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether his attention has been drawn, by announcements in the Press and elsewhere, to the outbreak of grouse disease in various parts of Scotland, and the North of England; and, whether, in consideration of the great scientific, pecuniary, and other interests involved, he will direct an investigation into the nature of the epidemic, to be undertaken by the officers of the Veterinary Department?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)(who re- 720 plied) said: Grouse disease cannot be dealt with by the veterinary officers of the Privy Council, as the Acts under which they work are limited to "four-footed beasts," and the Department have no funds at their disposal for undertaking such an investigation as that referred to in the Question.