§ *MR. FFRENCH (Woxford, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the value of pigs seized and destroyed weekly in Birmingham for tuberculosis has been estimated at £100, and that it has been admitted by the town clerk of Birmingham that the approximate value of pigs destroyed each week for the four weeks ending 17th November was £31 18s.; and whether he will take steps to have those dealers recompensed whose pigs have been destroyed in the interest of the public.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI am not aware of any authority for the estimate referred to, and its accuracy is denied by the town clerk on behalf of the town council. The approximate value given by the town clerk of the carcases and portions condemned during each of the four weeks ending 17th November is as stated in the Question, but I am informed that the number of pigs slaughtered during this period is considerably above the average of the year. I have no authority to cause the dealers to be recompensed us suggested.
§ *MR. FFRENCHWhy are not the owners in Birmingham compensated as they are elsewhere—inGermany for instance? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the pigs slaughtered have passed the Government inspectors; at the port of embarkation? What are the special qualifications of the Birmingham inspectors for the work?
§ *MR. JOHN BURNSI have no doubt as to their qualifications. It would be quite possible for an animal inspected at the port of embarkation to develop disease subsequently.
§ MR. THORNEWhat becomes of the condemned pigs?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI hope by means of the Bill I have before the House to ensure that no pigs are sold which are not fit for human consumption.
§ *MR. FFRENCHDoes the right hon. Gentleman deny the justice of compensating poor, dealing men, whose pigs have been seized and destroyed in the interest of the public?
§ [No Anwer was returned.]