§ Mr. STANIERI beg to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether any outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been reported; and, if so, can he give us any information thereon?
§ Sir H. VERNEYSuspected foot-and-mouth disease was reported yesterday afternoon from premises at Stallingboro', near Grimsby. A veterinary inspector of the Board proceeded to the premises late last evening, and telegraphed that he found foot-and-mouth disease to exist. In a further telegram sent after an inspection made this morning he confirms his 283 opinion, and the veterinary officers of the Board are satisfied with the diagnosis. There are on the premises six cattle and five pigs affected with the disease. The stock on the premises consist of nine milch cows, four calves, two rams, and fifteen pigs. The owner also has on marshes about one mile distant eleven cattle and one calf. There has been no movement of animals on to the farm since February last. One calf was sold off the farm two days ago, and two fat cattle were sent to Grimsby Market from these premises on the 17th instant. So far there is no clue to the origin of infection. The Board have to-day made an Order prohibiting the movement of animals along, over or across a highway within a radius of approximately 15 miles from Stallingboro'. The restrictions do not, however, extend to that part of Yorkshire which lies to the north of the River Humber. Instructions are to-day being given for the slaughter of all the animals remaining alive on the premises.
§ Mr. STANIERCan the hon. Baronet say whether anything has come from the Continent to this farm either in the way of feeding-stuff or material?
§ Sir H. VERNEYThe outbreak was only confirmed half an hour before the House met, and I have given all the information in my possession.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the hon Baronet aware that there is a real danger of the germs of the disease being carried in the clothes of German prisoners?
§ Sir H. VERNEYYes.