§ 18. Mr. FIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can state the result of the serum treatment of swine fever, making allowances for the decreased number of pigs; whether arrangements can be made to authorise competent local veterinary surgeons to do the necessary work; and whether precautions are taken to prevent infection from an outbreak without interfering unduly with the movements of swine?
§ Mr. PROTHEROThe results of the serum treatment of swine fever during the comparatively short period in which the treatment has been in voluntary operation may be regarded as satisfactory; but it does not affect the risk of the spread of the disease. If my hon. Friend could find time to see the chief veterinary officer at the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, he would be given the fullest details. At least nine-tenths of the Department's local work in regard to serum is done by local veterinary surgeons. The answer to the last part of the question is that the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection from an outbreak of fever are the Board believe, taken in each case with the minimum of interference with the movement of swine. But I may add that the restrictions are being carefully considered with a view to their possible relaxation.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODIs a supply of serum furnished to the local veterinary surgeons?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI believe it is.