§ MR. RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious loss that is being occasioned to all carrying on business in the Metropolitan Cattle Market, to the graziers in the Eastern and Midland Counties, and in Scotland, and to the Canadian cattle trade, by the prohibition, under the Pleuro-Pneumonia Act, of the removal of all beasts that have been exhibited in the above market beyond the Metropolitan Police district except for slaughter within four days, thus rendering practically valueless the one great staple market; and whether, seeing that the London cowsheds are the only source of danger from which pleuro-pneumonia can be spread, the prohibition might be directed solely to the cowsheds, and thus prevent the continued sacrifice of large and important interests to one comparatively small?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, SleafordIt is erroneous to suppose that the London cowsheds are the only source of danger from which pleuro-pneumonia can be spread, and though of course I am aware that the restrictions which are necessary if pleuro-pneumonia is to be eradicated cannot be imposed without inflicting loss, which no one regrets more than myself, it would be premature in my opinion, and prejudicial to the ultimate success of our efforts, to adopt at present the course suggested in the question.