§ 42. Mr. STANIERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the serum treatment on swine is carried out by the German Government to prevent swine fever; and, if so, to what extent, and if any results have been published?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)I am informed that the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part therefore does not arise.
51. Major HOPEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, if the inspectors of the Board of Agriculture had delayed diagnosis of swine fever in the herd of pigs belonging to Mr. Stewart, of Burnrigg, Prestonpans, until such time as all the pigs had died from the disease, no compensation would have been payable to Mr. Stewart; and if he will state if there is any limit to the time which may elapse between first notification by an owner of disease in his herd and diagnosis by officials of the Board of Agriculture?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The nature of swine fever is such that animals may die of the disease without showing diagnostic symptoms; there is not, therefore, and cannot be, any certain limit to the time which may elapse between notification of suspected disease and diagnosis by the Board's inspectors.
Major HOPEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, seeing the great amount of money and expense involved to the owners, 363 owing to the dilatoriness of the officials, he will see that inquiry is made and compensation given by the Board of Agriculture?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I cannot admit the hypothesis on which the question is put. I cannot admit that the Board's officers are dilatory.