§ MR. ROSEI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware of a number of recent cases of sheep scab in various districts in the south of England, which have been traced to sheep purchased at some of the larger sheep fairs; and whether, for the protection of purchasers, he can see his way to appoint an inspector at the principal sheep fairs in England.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYIf my hon. friend would be good enough to give me rather more specific information as to the locality of the outbreaks to which he refers, the Board will be glad to cause fall inquiry to be made into their origin. The administration of the orders relating to sheep scab rests, however, with the local authorities, and the appointment of an inspector to attend fairs would be a matter for their decision.