§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether Mr. Dodson's farm, at Sprot-borough, near Doncaster, is still under swine-fever restrictions owing to an outbreak of swine fever that took place on 14th February; and what, if any, is the limit to such quarantine set by the Board in cases where no fresh outbreak has occurred?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir E. Strachey)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part, perhaps the hon. Member would allow me to refer him to the answer I gave last Wednesday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Don-caster Division.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXWhat are the conditions which this man will have to fulfil before his farm can be got out of quarantine?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYHe undertook to refrain from further breeding and to feed off his swine for slaughter as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTHow does the hon. Baronet possibly justify six months' quarantine in this case, when the chief veterinary officer of the Board admits that three months is the utmost period for the latency of this disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI do not follow the hon. Gentleman. I do not think that at all arises out of the question.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIs it a matter of whether or not a man will carry out his obligation, or is it a matter of common-sense?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe occupier of the farm is not allowed to break the agreement which he undertook to perform.