§ MR. ROUND (Essex, Harwich)To ask the hon. Member for Huntingdonshire, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state to what extent swine fever now exists within the county of Essex; and whether he can see his way to the removal of the restrictions now in force.
(Answered by Mr. Ailwyn Fellowes.) There has been a distinct improvement in the position of Essex in regard to swine fever since the restrictions to which my right hon. friend refers were imposed in December last. In that month there were twenty-four outbreaks of the disease, whereas last month the number was eight. In these circumstances the Board have felt justified in withdrawing the restrictions as from the 12th instant. I may add that the local authority have recently decided to adopt regulations which will, we believe, if properly enforced, very much reduce the risk of the re-introduction of the disease into the county.