HC Deb 03 February 1893 vol 8 c395
MR. THOMAS HENRY BOLTON (St. Pancras, N.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that the London County Council, in carrying out the recent Order with regard to glanders and farcy, refuses compensation to the owners of animals compulsorily slaughtered; and whether any further legislation is contemplated, with a view to the provision of reasonable compensation in such cases?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. H. GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron Walden

The recent Order with regard to glanders and farcy left it optional on the part of Local Authorities to slaughter and pay compensation for animals suffering from either of those diseases. The London County Council unanimously decided not to exercise the power thus conferred upon them, and I do not feel that I should be justified at the present tinge in setting aside their decision. In any case, I do not think that any further legislation would be necessary.

MR. T. H. BOLTON

Having regard to the serious danger to human life, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of sending the Order back to the London Comity Council for re-consideration?

MR. GARDNER

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that there are other provisions in the Order besides those for slaughter and compensation, and I think it would be better to wait and see how the Order works before taking further steps.