§ 23. Mr. J. GARDINERasked the Minister of Agriculture what the Pirbright testing station cost; what is the annual expense of running it; how many animals are tested each year; whether cases of contagious abortion have occurred; if so, whether the owners were recompensed; and whether agriculturists know the risks they run in sending animals to Pirbright?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)The capital cost of the cattle testing station (including land, erection and equipment of buildings) was approximately £20,000; during the War the station was closed and it was not re-opened until 18th August, 1919. The net annual cost of running the station, including the farm, for the last year of account was £1,600, but the circumstances of that year were abnormal, and it is expected that the station will be self-supporting in the future. The number of animals tested was 97 in 1919, 452 in 1920, and 31 in 1921 to date. One case of contagious abortion has occurred in animals sent to the Ministry for the purpose of undergoing the tuberculin test, but this animal undoubtedly acquired the infection on the premises of the original owner. No animal has ever contracted the infection of abortion at the testing station, and no question of compensation on this account has ever arisen. Owing to the effective system of isolation agriculturists do not run any risk in sending animals to the cattle testing station.
§ Mr. GARDINERWhen was the owner of that animal notified that contagious abortion had taken place, and what recompense was made to him?
Sir A. BOSCAWENHe was notified immediately. I do not think that any recompense was made as the disease was contracted on his own premises before the animal was sent there.
§ Mr. GARDINERWas it not four months after that, and did he not receive recompense of £45, which was absolutely inadequate?
Sir A. BOSCAWENWill the hon. Member give notice of these questions, and I will have the details inquired into.