HC Deb 14 June 1910 vol 17 cc1182-3
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the persistent increase in the number of cases of anthrax since the beginning of the current year, causing danger both to healthy livestock and to human beings, the Board propose to take any, and, if so, what steps of a more drastic character than those hitherto taken to stamp out this disease?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir E. Strachey)

The Board have some doubt as to the accuracy of the diagnosis in some of the cases of disease returned as anthrax, and they are considering the issue of a revised Anthrax Order at an early date, designed to secure a more uniform and efficient method of diagnosis. The Board's veterinary advisers have little hope that anthrax can be stamped out, but every effort will be made to prevent the spread of infection.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Is the hon. Baronet aware that during the last six months there has been an increase of over 12 per cent, as compared with the corresponding six months of last year in this virulent disease, and that during the last three weeks three persons have died from handling carcases, and whether that does not disclose a state of affairs in which the Board ought to take stringent action?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I am aware of the serious increase and that is why the Board are contemplating taking further action.