MR. CATHCART WASONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if the existence of sheep scab has been proved to be existent or to have lately been inexistence in the Orkney Isles; and if he is not satisfied of its existence will he appoint an inspector to examine the flocks before bringing the Order into force requiring that sheep shall be dipped before shipment; if he is aware of the cost to small farmers of putting up sheep dips; and if it is proved that dipping is 1347 necessary the Board of Agriculture will erect sheep dips at convenient places where farmers can dip their sheep on paying cost of material used.
§ * THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. AILWYN FELLOWES,) Huntingdonshire, RamseyThe last case of sheep scab reported to the Board from Orkney occurred in the quarter ending at Midsummer last year. It is not practicable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion that an inspector should be sent to examine the 36,000 sheep scattered all over the Orkneys, but I hope shortly to be able to announce certain amendments to the Order, which will, I hope, remove many of the difficulties which have been anticipated. The Board have no funds at their disposal for the provision of dipping tanks or places, but, under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1903, local authorities are empowered to provide facilities for the dipping of sheep, and I have no doubt but that they will avail themselves of this power where necessary.