§ 78. Sir J. SPEARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state the number of cases of anthrax in cattle, scab in sheep, and swine fever in pigs, which were reported during the six months prior to 25th March last, and the reports of such cases received during the corresponding six months in the year 1917; and, in view of the scarcity of animal foods, is he satisfied that the most effective means are being used to combat these diseases?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Winfrey)The numbers of cases of anthrax, sheep scab, and swine fever in the period of twenty-six weeks ended the 23rd March last were, respectively, 162, 337, and 509. The corresponding figures for the same period of the previous year were 338, 539, and 1,302. The methods of dealing with disease of all kinds are constantly under consideration by the Board, and they have no more effective means to-employ at the present time.