§ Mr. STANIERasked whether the right hon. Gentleman can now give the constitution of the Committee to inquire into the causes of the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and state when it will be appointed and the terms of reference?
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTalso asked when the right hon. Gentleman proposes to constitute the Departmental Committee on foot-and-mouth disease, and to announce to the House the names of its members and the terms of the reference to it?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Committee will consist of twelve members, who have been requested to inquire into the circumstances of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and to consider whether any further measures can be adopted to prevent their recurrence. The right hon. Sir Ailwyn Fellowes has consented to act as Chairman of the Committee. The following are the other members who have consented to serve:—The hon. Member for 357 South Wilts, Mr. Richardson Carr, of Tring, Hertfordshire; Major E. Marten Dunne, of Gatley Park, Kingsland, Herefordshire; the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin; the hon. Member for Barkston Ash; the hon. Member for Carmarthenshire West; Mr. E. E. Morrison, of Bonnytown, Stravithie, Fifeshire; Mr. E. P. Nunneley, of Wellingborough; the hon. Member for the Newmarket Division of Cambridgeshire; and the hon. Member for North Bucks. I am endeavouring also to secure the assistance of a member of the Central Chamber of Agriculture. The veterinary and administrative officers of the Board will give the Committee every assistance. I desire, however, to arrange for the prosecution at the same time of an expert scientific inquiry into the more obscure characteristics of the disease, an inquiry which this Committee cannot be expected themselves to undertake. I am informed that the Indian Empire, where the disease is more prevalent than is, happily, the case in this country, affords a wide field for an investigation of this specialised character. I am in communication with the India Office on the subject, and I hope that it may be found possible to arrange with the Indian Government for the constitution of a small Scientific Commission consisting of two experts from this country, with whom may be associated, if the Indian Government approve, an equal number of experts appointed by them, to visit India and to study in that country the characteristics of the disease, its etiology, the means by which it is contracted and spread, and practicable means of prevention. I am aware of the difficulties which may beset the further inquiry which I propose to set on foot; but I believe that the great interests of this country in valuable livestock, and of India also, justify a more thorough scientific investigation than has been made up to the present. I am convinced that by these means we shall most effectively mitigate the loss and inconvenience suffered not only by agriculturists, but also by those whose business transactions are hampered by the restrictions which these outbreaks make it necessary to impose upon the free movement of agricultural produce.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill it be possible for the Departmental Committee to take evidence from the chief veterinary officer of the Board and other officials of his Department?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOh, yes, certainly.