HC Deb 26 May 1892 vol 4 cc1897-8
DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any further steps will be taken in Ireland to stamp out the disease of sheep scab; whether he is aware that this disease has been successfully overcome in Australia and New Zealand; and why more effective steps have not been taken in Ireland by the Veterinary Department to provide some remedy against this disease?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. JACKSON, Leeds, N.

): I am not aware of any necessity for further steps in regard to the sheep scab in this question. Ample provisions are at present in force for dealing with the disease, if duly carried out by the Local Authorities and owners of sheep. These provisions render necessary an immediate notification of the existence of the disease, then a continuing report thereon by the local Veterinary Inspector, to be made both to the Local Authority and to the Veterinary Department. Owners are required to apply remedial treatment, and the Local Authorities have large powers to secure complete isolation of affected or suspected sheep. Numerous prosecutions have been instituted by the police at the instance of the Veterinary Department where owners have failed to report the existence of the disease. I have no official information as to whether the disease has been successfully dealt with in Australia and New Zealand.

DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has received a communication from the President of the Agricultural Society dealing with the question, and whether in view of the fact that the disease has been successfully overcome in Australia and New Zealand, the remedy which has been found successful in those countries cannot be obtained and extended to Ireland for the benefit of the sheep dealers, notably in the Counties of Cork and Galway?

MR. JACKSON

I am not aware that any information on the subject has been received, but if any information is received I shall be only too glad to communicate it.

DR. TANNER

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made of the President of the Board of Agriculture, and find out what is the best remedy, and if possible place it at the disposal of the Veterinary Authorities in Ireland?

MR JACKSON

Yes, Sir.