88. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether and, if so, what scientific tests have been applied to ascertain the cause and supply a remedy for foot-and-mouth disease; whether the source of the present outbreak has been ascertained; what areas are chiefly affected; what is the total number of animals slaughtered to date, cattle, sheep, and pigs, and the value thereof; whether his attention has been called to the reported increase of 2d. per lb. for beef, mutton, and pork in Newcastle-on-Tyne; and whether there is any justification for increased retail prices in this city and the country generally?
Sir A. BOSCAWENFor many years-this disease has been the subject of continued research by the best veterinarians in Continental countries where the desease is endemic, but without success. A Committee of scientific men was appointed by my predecessor to undertake a careful research into the nature of the disease, but this Committee, after a year's exhaustive work, had made no progress and did not recommend the continuance of the investigation. I am proposing now to invite international co-operation in an 1019 inquiry. The origin of the present outbreak has not been definitely ascertained. The most heavily infected areas are, briefly, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham, Cheshire, Lancashire, Westmorland, and the Clyde Valley. The total numbers of animals which have been slaughtered or whose slaughter has been authorised are 13,530 cattle, 2,905 sheep, 5,342 pigs, and 30 goats. The value of these animals is approximately £420,000. I am aware that in certain markets a rise has occurred in the price of meat. This is probably due to the disturbed state of the trade, but the Ministry places no restrictions on the movement of fat stock to the butcher for slaughter, and there should, therefore, be no general shortage of meat. Moreover, carcases of animals which on slaughter are found not to be affected with foot-and-mouth disease are dressed for food, and in view of the very small fraction of the cattle population which it has been necessary to slaughter there is no justification for increased retail prices in the country generally.
§ Major WHELERIs there not a general belief that these outbreaks originated in Ireland? Has the right hon. Gentleman been able to take any effective steps to inquire whether there is any disease in the South or West of Ireland?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, Sir. I have been making inquiries, and up to the present I have not been able to trace the disease in Ireland. But as a precaution, as I have already informed the House, I have stopped the importation of animals from Ireland except for the purpose of immediate slaughter.
Mr. J. W. WILSONCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us without notice what is the proportion generally of those dressed for the market and those destroyed, with a view to allaying the public idea that 18,000 carcases have already been destroyed on the market?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI cannot give the detailed figures without notice, but the great majority of the animals slaughtered are contact animals and therefore fitted for food.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIs any compensation paid in these cases for the animals destroyed?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, full compensation is paid for animals destroyed, and it was based on the value of the animals before the disease broke out.