§ Mr. STANIERI would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Agriculture a question of which I have given him private notice. Whether he can give the House any further information regarding the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Sussex?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYYesterday a fresh outbreak was reported on the farm of Mr. Mair, senior, which adjoins that of his son. Six sheep in a flock of sixty-one were found to be affected. The disease was also discovered in a flock of twenty-two sheep in a marsh occupied by Mr. Cortie, adjoining the affected marsh on Road End Farm Veterinary inspection is proceeding in the adjoining marshes. Preliminary arrangements are being made for slaughtering out, if decided upon.
§ Mr. WALTER LONGHaving regard-to the very great gravity of the situation in regard to this outbreak, may I ask the hon. Baronet whether he is aware of the very strong feeling, amongst those who have had experience of dealing with these questions, in favour of slaughter on a very extensive scale; whether he will represent to the President of the Department that this feeling exists; and whether there is any chance of his being able to give the House a full and complete reply upon the question to-morrow in order that the universally grave anxiety may be in some degree removed?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI am not aware that there is a very strong feeling except on the other side of the House. I am quite conscious of the serious state of affairs. I can give the assurance to the right hon. Gentleman that I shall put myself in communication at once with the President of the Board of Agriculture, and inform him of these facts, so that an answer may, if possible, be given to-morrow.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYIn view of these constant outbreaks, which have increased in number lately, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it would be desirable to institute an inquiry into the matter in order that the country at large, outside the Board of Agriculture, may fully understand what is being done in connection with the matter?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYWhether it is desirable or not to have a Departmental Committee to consider this question, I am decidedly of opinion that it is not desirable to have it at the present time.
§ Mr. STANIERCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to whether any foreign feeding stuffs have got on to these farms?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYSo far as my information goes—and I have made inquiries on 1047 the subject—there is no foreign imported feeding stuffs upon these farms—either cake, or other food stuffs, or bedding.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTHas any connection been traced between these two last outbreaks?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIf the hon. Member refers to the outbreaks in Middlesex and Sussex no connection has been traced. In regard to the other four so-called outbreaks probably they came from the same source.