§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the hardship imposed upon Mr. Dodson, of Sprot-borough, near Doncaster, by the action of the Board in imposing eight months' quarantine upon his pigs owing to suspicion of swine fever; whether he is aware that during the whole of the eight months not one single case of swine fever occurred among them; and whether, in view of the doubt as to whether any swine fever had ever existed on the premises, any compensation can be made to Mr. Dodson for his pecuniary loss owing to a possible mistake of the Board's officials?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe hon. Member has not been correctly informed as to the facts of this case. The restrictions referred to were imposed on the 9th February, 1911, and removed on the 9th October last. A post-mortem examination made on the 15th February of a pig which had died on the premises revealed incontestable evidence of the existence of swine fever, and the police reports show that thirteen pigs died on the infected place between the 16th February and the 15th May. These pigs were not examined; but it is at least probable that their death was attributable to the same cause. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the greatest veterinary expert in Europe will not admit the latency of this disease beyond three months? It is admitted that these pigs were under suspicion for five months at least.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs I have already pointed out, thirteen pigs died at various dates between February and May.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTBut none between May and October.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIs it not a fact that swine fever was not actually verified, and there was only the opinion of the local 195 medical officer? Under these circumstances, and in view of the fact that this man has lost something like £300, will the right hon. Gentleman grant an inquiry into the whole case?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have inquired into the case very fully, and I do not think Mr. Dodson has any cause for complaint.