§ MR. BROADHURST (Leicester)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can inform the House of the number of cattle lost by death from disease in recent cargoes from the River Plate; whether he can inform the House of the nature of the disease; whether, in the case of those arriving in the Thames alive, and slaughtered at Deptford, a careful examination is made of the carcase to prevent suspected meat finding its way to the markets?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTUREI have made inquiries on this subject, but I find no reason to believe that any losses occur amongst cattle brought from the River Plate by reason of disease. The examination of the carcases with a view to the protection of the public health rests with the local authorities, who, in the particular instance referred to, have appointed a special inspector for the purpose; but, in addition, the Board's veterinary officers are instructed to call attention to any carcases which, in their opinion, are unfit for human food.