MR. HERBERT KNATCHBULLHUGESSEN (Kent, Faversham)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether there has been any further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Isle of Sheppey since the first case reported some weeks ago; and if not, whether, considering the enormous loss which will be occasioned to Sheppey farmers if they are not permitted to receive back their sheep which have been put out to keep, many thousands of which would, under ordinary circumstances, be now returning to the island, he will now either withdraw the order of isolation or reduce the area of isolation to the places that have been infected?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, SleafordThe first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the Isle of Sheppey occurred on the 12th February on premises at Cowsted Marshes, near Minster. On the 27th the disease broke out on a farm about a mile distant belonging to the same proprietor. To-day, I regret to say, a further outbreak is reported on a farm about three-quarters of a mile from the last-named place, as occurring among sheep on the marshes. In these circumstances, I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that I am not justified in withdrawing the order for isolation, nor do I think it would be safe, having regard to the peculiar position of the Island of Sheppey, to reduce the area of isolation in the manner suggested.