§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked what is the nature of the connection which is deemed by the veterinary advisers of the Board to exist between, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Bland's Farm, Hounslow, and the more recent outbreak of the same disease at Church Farm, Harlington; and whether the cause of the outbreak has in either case been traced, and, if so, what is it?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe veterinary advisers of the Board are of opinion that the disease was carried by some person from one farm to the other. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative in the first two outbreaks.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTIs it known for certain who this person was, or is it merely a matter of conjecture?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIt must always necessarily be a matter of conjecture in the case of infection, but there is good reason to believe it was conveyed by some person going directly from one farm to the other?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTHas there been any further outbreak since the hon. Gentleman last spoke on the subject, and has there boon any alteration in the precautions to be observed?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThere has been no further outbreak up to this moment, and the question of isolation areas is under consideration. I think the hon. Gentleman will see it is very desirable we should move with great caution in the matter.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYCan the hon. Gentleman say in what way the disease was conveyed by this person from one farm to the other? Was it by means of hay or straw?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. member ought to give notice of that question. It does not directly arise here.