§ MR. CHAPLINI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether rabies is increasing to such an alarming extent in Great Britain that 647 339 cases of that disease have been reported during the first 20 weeks of 1895, as against 69 cases in 1894; 34 cases in 1893; and 9 cases only in 1892—during the first 20 weeks of each of those years respectively.
§ MR. HERBERT GARDNERIt is unfortunately the case that rabies has increased to the extent stated in the question—the increase, however, being practically confined to the counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, and the West Riding. I need scarcely say that the subject is one which is engaging my anxious attention, and we are constantly in communication with the local authorities with a view to secure the efficient enforcement of the muzzling regulations which are now in operation over practically the whole of the dangerous districts. If in addition we secure adequate support from public opinion and from the magisterial bench when breaches of the regulations are brought under their notice by the police, there should be no difficulty in effecting an early and substantial improvement of the position as regards this terrible disease.
§ MR. CHAPLINasked whether the Board of Agriculture were taking any direct action to check the spread of the disease?
§ MR. GARDNERreplied that it was unnecessary for the Board to take direct action. The Board was in constant communication with the local authorities on this subject.
§ MR. CHAPLINasked whether the right hon. Gentleman thought that action taken through the local authorities was sufficient in view of this extraordinary increase in rabies?
§ MR. GARDNERsaid, that all the Department could do was to induce the local authorities to enforce the muzzling order.
§ MR. CHAPLINasked whether no further action would be taken by the Board of Agriculture?
§ MR. GARDNERNo, Sir; it is not necessary.