HC Deb 02 June 1913 vol 53 c561
9. Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTS

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the importance of a healthy supply of butchers' meat and of the losses sustained by butchers and others, he will consider the advisability of extending the provisions of the Tuberculosis Order, 1913, as to compensation for apparently healthy animals which, when slaughtered for human food, prove to be suffering from tuberculosis?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Board have no power to extend the provisions of the Tuberculosis Order in respect to payment of compensation so as to include animals other than those slaughtered by their direction under the Diseases of Animals Acts.

Mr. S. ROBERTS

In view of the importance of this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether some legislation could be introduced to deal with it?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The powers exercised by the Board of Agriculture are exercised under the Diseases of Animals Act, which would not meet the point raised in the question of the hon. Member. I think he ought to address the question to the Local Government Board.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is there any administrative or logical reason why a similar Order should not be issued in relation to pigs?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have not considered that.

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