§ Mr. CECIL HARMSWORTHI desire to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture a question of which I have given private notice—namely, whether he has any further information to give regarding a reported case of foot-and-mouth disease in Somerset?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)A telegram was received from the Superintendent of Police at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening stating that foot-and-mouth disease was suspected at Halfway Farm, Martock. One of the Board's veterinary inspectors proceeded that evening to Yeovil, and examined the animals the first thing on the following morning. He reported by telegram, received at 10.50 yesterday morning, that he considered the disease to be foot-and-mouth disease. The Board's Chief Veterinary Officer started for the spot by the earliest possible train, and his report was received by telephone at 5.45 last evening. The Chief Veterinary Officer is satisfied that foot-and-mouth disease exists at the farm, and that twelve cattle on the farm are already affected. Instructions have been given for the slaughter of the entire stock upon the farm, which is being proceeded with to-day, and an order restricting the movement of cattle within a radius of approximately fifteen miles was issued last evening.
§ Sir J. SPEARHave any cattle been brought on to the farm recently through which possibly the disease might have been brought?
§ Mr. H. LEWISNo, I think not. The cattle which have been affected have been pastured in this field since 30th October.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTHas any connection been traced between this outbreak and that which occurred twenty miles off near Bridgwater, at the end of September, 1773 and, if not, are investigations being pursued to discover whether there is any connection between the two?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISI am not aware of any such connection. I have not the least doubt that the veterinary officers of the Board will do their utmost to discover whether any such connection exists.