HC Deb 12 May 1914 vol 62 cc910-1
49. Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has any official reports showing that the pathology of swine fever shows it to be a disease against which the methods of slaughter, disinfection, etc., successfully employed against other epizootics can be employed with similar good results: whether the Board considered the expenditure involved in carrying out such methods in the case of swine fever warranted; whether inquiry has been made regarding the success of the serum treatment in Continental countries; and, if so, whether he will issue a Report on the subject? May I add that I am glad to see the right hon. Gentleman back in his place?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I will send my hon. Friend a list of publications bearing on the point raised in the first part of the question. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, the results of the special inquiries made in Holland and Hungary last year are fully described in the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Departmental Committee (Cd. 7247); experiments with serum are being tried in England, but it is too soon yet to report on them.

Mr. FIELD

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue a report containing a prècis of what has been done and the results of the investigation, in order that we may obtain the latest information on the matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir, as soon as the experiments we are now conducting on farms for this purpose can be usefully reported upon for certain.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what, in any effective way, his bacteriologists have done in regard to the etiology of these diseases, for the record of his Department in this respect is disgraceful?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question, I will endeavour to give him a most learned reply.