§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can give particulars of the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease which occurred yesterday, near Rye, in the county of Sussex; whether the cause of such outbreak is known to-the Board; whether any connection has been traced between this outbreak and those which occurred recently at Hounslow in Middlesex; and what steps are being taken by the Board to prevent the further spread of this most highly infectious disease.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Edward Strachey)I much regret to say that there has been a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Road End Farm, Udimore, Rye, Sussex, occupier Mr. Robert P. Mair. Three cows, four calves, and one dead calf in the farmyard are affected. And one cow and calf were found affected on the marshes adjoining. These two were slaughtered last night. No connection has been traced with the Hounslow outbreak. The chief veterinary officer went down this morning to report fully on the outbreak. All the usual precautions for isolation have been taken, and orders prohibiting movement and closing markets are being issued.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIn view of the now serious character of this disease in Great Britain, will the hon. Baronet consider the desirability of at once appointing a Departmental Committee to inquire into its cause?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI must ask the hon. Member to put a question on the Paper with regard to that. It is a very serious matter.