HC Deb 27 July 1910 vol 19 cc2096-8
Mr. EDWARD WOOD

asked whether the Board of Agriculture will, in the absence of any further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, and in view of the inconvenience caused to farmers and butchers by the necessary abandonment of the Ripon auction sale of 25th July, consider it consistent with safety to permit the holding of the next fortnightly sale on 8th August by licence, and with due provisions for the marking and slaughtering of stock sold?

Sir E. STRACHEY

A further outbreak was confirmed yesterday at Kirkby Malzeard, and it would be premature, therefore, at present to open any markets. The Board will, however, do so at the earliest possible moment consistent with safety. It will also interest the House to know that the animals in contact, namely, thirty-four cattle and 170 sheep, are about to be slaughtered.

Mr. ORDE-POWLETT

asked if, in the event of no further cases of foot-and-mouth disease occurring, the Board of Agriculture will remove the existing restrictions at as early a date as is consistent with safety, in view of the imminence of several agricultural shows in the proscribed area?

Mr. EDWARD WOOD

asked at what date, in the event of no further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease near Ripon, the Board will consider it consistent with safety so to relax the regulations as to permit the exhibition of stock at agricultural shows within the scheduled area?

Sir E. STRACHEY

A further outbreak was confirmed yesterday. The Board hope to modify the restrictions as soon and in such manner as may seem most expedient, but they are not prepared to specify at present any date on which exhibitions of stock within the scheduled area will be allowed.

Mr. LONSDALE

asked if the cause of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Yorkshire has been ascertained?

Sir E. STRACHEY

No, Sir.

Mr. LONSDALE

asked the Chief Secretary if he would state what steps have been taken to protect Irish agricultural interests in consequence of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Yorkshire?

Mr. BIRRELL

On receipt of information from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries of the existence of foot-and-mouth disease in Yorkshire, the Department at once suspended all importations of animals (except horses) from Great Britain. The Department's inspectors at Irish ports were also instructed to warn drovers, dealers, and others proceeding to Great Britain in connection with the export of live stock, of the importance of taking special care, while in Great Britain, to avoid contact with any diseased or suspected animals, and to refrain from visiting any locality where such animals are. Notice of the steps taken by the Department was published by the Press on the 23rd instant. The situation in Great Britain is being closely watched, with a view, if necessary, to further action in Ireland.

Mr. MOORE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he considers that the Vice-President of the Department in Ireland has sufficient experience or competence to deal with the matter in question?

Captain COOPER

May I ask whether precautions will be taken to prevent the introduction of the disease to Ireland through forage imported from England?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not think that that matter has received the attention of the Board of Agriculture.

Captain COOPER

Will it receive their attention?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, it will.