HC Deb 05 April 1889 vol 334 cc1707-8
COLONEL WARING (Down, N.)

asked the Vice Chamberlain whether he is aware that the 11 Irish bullocks, among which pleuro-pneumonia was alleged to have originated at Carlisle, were in contact from 2nd February till 26th February with a cow from Westmoreland, purchased for £3 10s. 0d., which, if sound, was worth £11 at an auction in Carlisle, which on the later date was declared by the veterinary inspector to be suffering under that disease; and, whether, under these circumstances, even if one of the bullocks slaughtered was found affected, there is any justification in the assertion that the disease was of Irish origin?

THE VICE CHAMBERLAIN (Viscount LEWISHAM,) Lewisham

The information in the possession of the Agricultural Department on the subject is to the following effect:—A farmer near Carlisle purchased on Carlisle Sands on February 2nd, 12 cattle from an Irish dealer. Eleven of these, which were recognized by the dealer's trade mark, were brought by him from the North of Ireland on the previous day, February 1st. The other animal was purchased by the dealer in Carlisle, but whether this animal came originally from the county of Westmoreland or not is not stated. The 12 cattle were taken home to the farm, and on February 26th the veterinary inspector reported two affected with pleuro-pneumonia. One was a case of long standing, and was recognized by the mark as one of the cattle brought from the North of Ireland on February 1st. The other, which was said to be only slightly affected, was the animal purchased by the dealer in Carlisle. When the ten other cattle brought from Ireland on February 1st were slaughtered, three were found affected with pleuro-pneumonia. Four out of the 11 cattle brought from Ireland on February 1st, being found to be affected with pleuro-pneumonia on February 26th, the inspector of the local authority came to the conclusion that the disease had been imported from Ireland.

COLONEL WARING

Will the noble Lord make further inquiries, as the information I have received is very different from that now stated to the House.

VISCOUNT LEWISHAM

I think the information in the hands of the Privy Council on the subject is very full.

MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

Will the noble Lord say in what parts of Ireland pleuro-pneumonia is prevalent?

VISCOUNT LEWISHAM

I must ask hon. Member to give notice of that question.