§ MR. BROADHURSTI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has reason, to believe that tuberculosis is prevalent in the dairy herds of the country; and, if so, whether any steps are being taken to warn the consumers of milk of the danger to young children drinking milk from cows so effected?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTUREWith regard to the a prevalence of tuberculosis among dairy stock, I would refer the honourable Member to the very full statement on the r subject contained in the Report of the recent Royal Commission. I do not myself think that the issue of any warning on the subject is necessary, but the matter is one for the consideration of the Local Government Board rather than of myself.
§ MR. BROADHURSTDo the Government contemplate any action arising out of the Report of the Royal Commission?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURENo, Sir; it is not contemplated to take any action on the recommendations of the Royal Commission until there is some evidence on the part of the agricultural community that they desire it.
§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)In connection with that reply, I would like to ask whether his attention has been called to the want of knowledge or practical experience as to the test shown by English agriculturists examined by the Commission, and whether he would issue, in leaflet form, information such as that contained in the Report of the Royal Commission as to the success of the eliminating test in Denmark?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTUREIf the honourable Member means, will I circulate the Report in a cheaper and condensed form, I shall be ready to consider that, but I cannot undertake, on behalf of the Department, to circulate the information referred to, for which the Department might be held legally responsible.