§ MR. R. G. VERNEY (Warwickshire, Rugby)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture when and where was the last case of rabies reported in the County of Warwickshire; and for how long after a case of rabies is reported it is the custom to enforce the muzzling order in the county in which the case has taken place?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTUREThe last case of rabies reported from Warwickshire occurred at Nuneaton on the 26th August last. Owing to the lengthened period of incubation in cases of rabies, it is necessary to enforce muzzling for a period of at least six months after the occurrence of an outbreak, but this period must be regarded as a minimum, and a longer term is frequently necessary before it can be hoped that the disease has been permanently eradicated, especially where large urban districts are involved.
§ MR. VERNEYCan the right hon. Gentleman suggest an approximate date at which the muzzling order may be relaxed?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTUREIt is rather dangerous to give approximate dates. But I am glad to say that the condition of things in the district shows a material improvement, and should that continue I hope to relax the order at no very distant date.