§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether lie is aware that there is now no proper inspection of the carcases of imported cattle, of which about 3,000 are weekly slaughtered at Deptford and large numbers elsewhere; and whether, having regard to the large proportion of tuberculosis found to exist in cattle slaughtered and inspected for the detection of pleuro-pneumonia, he will arrange for an adequate staff to examine the carcases immediately after slaughter before removal of the offal.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. CHEAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, SleafordI have made inquiry as regards the foreign cattle market as Deptford, which is the only one specifically referred to in the question, and I am informed that, in addition to the inspection of the live animals by two veterinary inspectors appointed by the Board of Agriculture, there is a close inspection of the carcases. This latter inspection is carried out by all inspector specially appointed for the purpose by the Corporation of London. He devotes his whole time to his duty, and acts under the supervision of the veterinary inspector of the Corporation and the superintendent of the market understand that cases of tuberculosis in this market are extremely rare, only two having occurred in the last 12 months.
§ MR. CHANNINGAm I to understand 1027 that inspection is made before the animals are killed?
§ MR. CHAPLINThat is the case.