§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary if he will say to what cause he attributes the increase of anthrax among farm animals in Great Britain during the last two years and its occurrence in almost every part of the country, including many localities where it was previously quite unknown; and what proportion of the cases of death officially returned as due to anthrax have subsequently been proved to be due to some other cause?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe increase in the number of recorded eases of anthrax is probably due, speaking generally, to the fact that the existence of this disease is more frequently reported. It is not possible for me to give a full reply to the last part of the question except in considerable detail. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to refer him to the Board's Annual Reports for the past two or three years.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs it not a fact that the statistics relating to anthrax are misleading owing to the fact that many of those cases are subsequently found not to be anthrax at all?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI should not like to commit myself to that.