HC Deb 13 February 1908 vol 184 c216
MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that in Scotland cattle in the last stages of tuberculosis are occasionally exposed for sale and food in the open market, with consequent risk of spread of the disease and danger to human life; and if he proposes to take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, in order that persons submitting dying diseased cattle for sale may be prosecuted.

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SINCLAIR,) Forfarshire

Section 43 (1) (a) of the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1897, enables the officials of the local authority to seize animals that are intended for the food of man and are exposed for sale, if they are diseased or unsound or unfit for the food of man; and the person to whom the animal belongs is liable to prosecution. The officials of local authorities make use of this power and there does not seem need for fresh legislation in the direction suggested.

MR. CATHCART WASON

asked if the purchasers of these cattle were liable to prosecution.

MR. SINCLAIR

said that rested with the local authorities.

MR. CATHCART WASON

Will the same steps be taken in this matter as in England?

MR. SINCLAIR

I am not sure that the powers in England and Scotland are the same, but if those in Scotland are found to be insufficient, I shall be prepared to make further proposals.