§ MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can state what have been the results up till now of the systematic examination of the lungs of Canadian cattle, which is now being made under the direction of the Board; and whether they appear to show at present that Canada is free from the disease; or whether the examination has disclosed any case or cases of pleuropneumonia, or of suspected pleuropneumonia, for which cattle would be slaughtered by the Board in England?
§ MR. H. GARDNERUp to the end of last week 10 cargoes, comprising 5,119 head of cattle, had arrived in this country from Canada. The results of the special examination to which the lungs were subjected has proved satisfactory except in the case of an animal landed from the ss. Lake Winnipeg, in regard to which I am awaiting certain further information from my professional advisers which will not be available for some few days to 50 come. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would then renew his inquiry.
§ SIR J. LENG (Dundee)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the invariable experience of Scottish farmers is that the lungs of Canadian cattle are far healthier than those of a corresponding number of either English or Scotch?
§ MR. H. GARDNERI can only refer the hon. Member to the reply I have just given.
§ MR. CHAPLINDo I understand that only one suspected case has been reported to the Board by its Inspectors?
§ MR. H. GARDNERVarious lungs were sent up, but in only one case has the examination proved unsatisfactory.
§ MR. CHAPLINBut the Inspectors sent up the lungs of other animals which were suspected?
§ MR. H. GARDNEROrders were given to send up lungs when there were any suspicious circumstances. Several were sent up, but, as I have said, in only one case is there any reason to believe that pleuro-pneumonia existed, and as to that I am awaiting a further Report.