§ Mr. STANIERasked whether the Board of Agriculture will appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the general question of swine fever?
§ Sir WILLIAM COLLINSasked whether the Board of Agriculture are still of opinion that the methods employed against swine fever are adequate to eradicate the disease; and, if not, whether they will now cause a fresh inquiry to be made into the pathology of the disease, the manner in which it is propagated, and the best means which can be employed with a view to restrict its ravages?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYWe are disposed to think that the question of the continued prevalence of swine fever in Great Britain, and the practicability of the adoption of further measures with a view to secure its speedy extirpation, might, with advantage, be investigated by a Departmental Committee, and arrangements for the purpose are now under consideration. The inquiry would naturally include the various matters to which my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras refers in the question which stands in his name, to which this reply will also be applicable.
An HON. MEMBERWill the terms of reference to the Committee include the consideration of the steps which are being taken in other countries, notably Ireland and Holland, with very great success to stamp out this disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe terms of reference will be so wide that it will be able to consider everything it should consider.
§ Sir W. COLLINSWill the proposed Committee include among its Members competent pathologists?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI expect so.