78. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made in the scientific inquiry into the sporadic outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease; and whether such inquiry will cover every avenue, including that of the disease germs being carried in the air?
§ Major BARNSTON (Controller of the Household)I have been asked to reply. Inasmuch as no method could be discovered of cultivating artificially the virus of foot-and-mouth disease or of identifying it, the inquiry into the means by which the infection causing sporadic outbreaks of this disease is carried has beep discontinued. Circumstantial evidence points to the air or birds as the most probable carriers of the disease. My right hon. Friend has already stated that he is endeavouring to arrange for an international inquiry into the whole subject.