HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 cc901-2
74. Mr. HOLMES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many cases of rabies have been reported during the past month; and whether he can give an approximate date for the cancellation of the Muzzling Order?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

During the period 18th June to 17th July eleven outbreaks of rabies have been confirmed by the veterinary officers of the Board, and reports have been received of seventy-four suspected cases. It is impossible to give any idea when Orders as to muzzling will be revoked, as their revocation or oven modification must depend on the position in respect to rabies in any locality, which obviously cannot be foreseen.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman ask the Board of Agriculture to consider the desirability of imposing a muzzling Order over the whole of the country?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

We have considered that very often, but we are not of the opinion that it would be an advantage. The only way in which we can effectively carry out a muzzling Order is by having the general support of the public, and I do not think we should get it if we were to impose a muzzling Order in places hundreds of miles from the nearest case of rabies. Our view is that it is much the best to confine the Orders to areas in neighbourhoods where cases have been established, as was done by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty at the time of the last outbreak. Up-to-date fresh outbreaks have been entirely confined to the existing areas.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it not the fact that rabies are spreading gradually over a good part of the South of England, and would not it be far wiser to muzzle the dogs in the whole of the country in order, finally, to stamp out the disease?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

No, Sir; rabies has not been spreading gradually. It has been, on the whole, confined to three small areas, and so long as that is the case, we think that a General Muzzling Order is unnecessary.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is one of the areas referred to by the Order the seat of the Ulster Provisional Government?

Lieut.-Colonel MEYSEY-THOMPSON

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of having the same system carried out as that of the First Lord of the Admiralty, which, for so many years, has been effective?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

That is precisely what we are doing.