HC Deb 16 March 1908 vol 186 cc201-3
MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether cattle suffering from indigestion or other indisposition caused by a sea voyage commonly re-act to the tuberculin test.

MR. J. A. PEASE

It would not be correct to say that non-tuberculous cattle suffering from indigestion or other indisposition Caused by a sea voyage commonly re-act to the tuberculin test. Such cattle may, however, and frequently do show irregularities of temperature for a few days after landing which make it impossible correctly to interpret the result of the test.

MR. COURTHOPE

Is it not the fact that many cattle sent from this country to Argentine are slaughtered immediately on arrival?

MR. J. A. PEASE

asked for notice.

MR. COURTHOPE

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether cattle sent from this country to the Argentine are subjected to the tuberculin test immediately on arrival?

I beg also to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Board of Agriculture will request the authorities of the Argentine Republic to keep British imported cattle in quarantine for at least four days before subjecting them to the tuberculin test.

MR. J. A. PEASE

The Argentine General Sanitary Regulations of 1903 provide for the application of the tuberculin test to imported animals at the end of the period of 40 days, during which they are quarantined. We have no knowledge that this requirement has been in any way modified, nor have we received any complaints on the subject. No representations to the Argentine Government appear therefore to be called for.

MR. COURTHOPE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the Report which stated that the animals were slaughtered one or two days after arrival after examination by a veterinary surgeon? Will he inquire if that is correct?

MR. J. A. PEASE

asked for notice.

MR. LUPTON (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the tuberculin test is of very doubtful value?

MR. J. A. PEASE

asked for notice.