§ 77. Lieut.-Colonel HILDERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the possibility of foot-and-month disease being conveyed from farm to farm by postmen or tradesmen's carriers: and whether, to reassure the agricultural community, he will cause to be made an expert inquiry as to whether there is an avoidable danger in this respect?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, Sir. The disinfection of all persons and carts coming from infected premises is supervised by the local police. Containers of disinfectants are provided and straw soaked with disinfectant is laid down. Such precautionary measures as are practicable for preventing the spread of infection have already been adopted, and I do not think that a special inquiry into the matter is necessary. I may add, however, that this together with all other aspects of the question will no doubt be inquired into by the Departmental Committee which I propose to appoint.
§ 81. Mr. WILLIAM NICHOLSONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the 50 per cent, of the compensation required for the foot-and-mouth disease which is to be taken from the local rates will fall on the ratepayers in those districts where outbreaks have occurred or whether it will be collected from all the ratepayers of Great Britain?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Alfred Mond)I have been asked to reply. The expenditure which is not met by the increased Exchequer Grant will be charged upon the Local Taxation Accounts and the consequent reduction in the amounts 1778 payable out of these accounts will be spread over the ratepayers of Great Britain.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYIs not the stamping out of foot-and-mouth disease a national business, and ought it not to come altogether out of taxation?
§ Sir A. MONDBy law half has to come out of taxation.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYYes, but as Parliament is now asked for half, why cannot they be asked for the whole?
§ 82. Mr. WILLIAM SHAWasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred on the farms of Rawes and Monorgan, in the parish of Longforgan, Perthshire, and that although the cattle on the former farm have been slaughtered those on the latter farm have neither been slaughtered nor isolated, although the farm steading adjoins the public road and is within a few yards of the railway station, which serves a large agricultural district; if he is aware that the outbreak at Monorgan occurred on 25th February; can he say if isolation has been recommended at this farm; if such recommendation has been notified to the farmer; and what steps have been taken by the authorities to carry out or enforce any such recommendations?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe stock at Rawes Farm was slaughtered because there was little hope that the animals could be successfully isolated. At Monorgan Farm, where the existence of disease was confirmed on the 28th February, 107 sheep were slaughtered, but 90 cattle were isolated. These cattle were housed in good buildings, and there was every prospect that they could be saved from infection. The owner was duly notified by the Ministry's inspector who dealt with the outbreak. The local authorities are required by the Foot-and-Mouth Order of 1895 to carry out and enforce Regulations governing infected places.
Sir A. BOSCAWENFor the administration of the Diseases of Animals Act the English Ministry of Agriculture is 1779 the authority; the Scottish Board has no jurisdiction. But I should like to add that throughout we have been in close touch with the Scottish Board, and they have rendered every possible assistance.
§ 83. Mr. BETTERTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship imposed upon tenant farmers in infected districts (foot-and-mouth disease) who are under notice to quit at Ladyday, by reason of the fact that they will be unable to move their stock; and whether, in such circumstances, he is prepared to provide by Regulation either for the suspension of the notice or payment of compensation for the loss sustained?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have given careful consideration to this matter, and I hope that in most cases the parties concerned will be able to make amicable arrangements, but in order to clear up the legal position the Ministry is issuing immediately an Order, the object of which will be to secure that stock must be left on premises which are changing hands, and that they shall be properly fed and tended either by their owner or by the new occupier until the restrictions are removed.
§ Mr. BETTERTONIs it the view of the Board of Agriculture that notice to quit is to be in force so far as the house is concerned apart from the farm?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes; but in the case of stock on farms in affected areas that cannot be removed it will be the duty of the incoming tenant to give facilities to the outgoing tenant, or otherwise to arrange the matter.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of arranging for an independent valuer, so that the incoming tenant can take over the stock of the outgoing tenant?
Sir A. BOSCAWENWe have considered this most difficult question very carefully, and have come to the conclusion that the plan I have suggested is probably the best that can be put forward.