§ MR. JEFFREYSI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if there have been any fresh attacks of anthrax in the United Kingdom; and what steps he is taking to suppress this dangerous and infectious disease?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. H. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture has requested me to answer this question in his absence. The number of outbreaks of anthrax reported during the three weeks ending the 2nd instant have been 11, 18, and 13 respectively. The business of enforcing the provisions of the law, and the Orders issued there under, rests, in the case of anthrax, not with the Board of Agriculture, but with the various Local Authorities under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Acts. I have, however, addressed a Circular Letter to those authorities advising them as to the nature of the disease and the best means of preventing its spreading, and I have also issued a leaflet, for general circulation amongst stockowners, describing the symptoms of the disease and the steps which ought to be taken on its appearance. I shall be happy to supply the hon. Gentleman with copies of these documents.
§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)May I ask my hon. Friend whether, considering the persistent vitality of this bacillus, he will press the Local Authorities to insist on the burning of the bodies of all animals affected with this disease?
§ MR. H. GLADSTONEThat is not a matter which comes within the 952 jurisdiction of the Home Office; but I have no doubt my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture will consider it.