§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S. E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is necessary to mix lime with the manure of animals landed in Essex, which destroys its fertilising properties, when by inspection the animals have been found before and after slaughter to have been perfectly healthy; and where the manure of animals found to be diseased is at present destroyed?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. CHAPLIN, Lincolnshire, Sleaford)In reply to the last paragraph of the question, I am informed that the usual method of disposing of the manure of diseased animal at the ports has been to carry it out to sea and throw it overboard. With regard to the manure of animals landed at foreign animals' wharves—i.e., where they are slaughtered—it is very desirable to have it thoroughly disinfected. In the case, however, of animals landed at foreign animals' landing places, whence the animals are allowed to pass into the country, the hon. Member's question, I think, deserves consideration; and while I will not pledge myself to any alteration in the present system, I have directed inquiries to be made as to the necessity of disinfecting the manure in such cases for the future.