HC Deb 15 November 1911 vol 31 cc355-6
Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Swine Fever Order, 1911, will impose expense amounting to £1,000 a year on an agricultural county like Shropshire; and if he can state what assistance will be given out of the Exchequer to local authorities on whom this duty is imposed to carry out the recommendation of the Departmental Committee?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have no means of testing the accuracy of the Estimate referred to in the first part of the question. As the hon. Member is aware, the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, requires that the Orders of the Board shall be executed and enforced by the local authority, and there is therefore no prospect that any contribution towards the expenses will be made by the Treasury.

Mr. COURTHOPE

Do the Government intend to ignore the unanimous recommendations of the Departmental Committee?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not aware that the Government have ignored those recommendations, but I am looking into the whole question, and if the hon. Member will put down a question at some future date I will give him a full answer.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Are we to understand that the question is not definitely settled?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

There is no prospect that any contribution towards the expenses can be made by the Treasury.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Then what is the object of the inquiry?