§ 36. Mr. LINFIELDasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the expenditure to date in dealing with the present 257 epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease; and what amount is spent on scientific research as to the causes and methods of dealing with it?
Mr. WOOD(for the Minister of Agriculture): The total net expenditure up to the 16th instant is £1,107,820. The total gross commitments for compensation amount to £2,418,000. With regard to the second part, I may explain that in 1920–21 an experimental investigation at sea was conducted by distinguished pathologists, medical and veterinary, without result. The cost of this investigation was £12,065. In the current year approximately £60,000 was allocated to the Ministry for general investigation into animal diseases. While no portion of this is specifically allocated to foot-and-mouth disease investigation, certain experiments are being conducted under the control of the Ministry's veterinary officers. Owing to the specially contagious nature of the disease, it is impossible to allow research which might create disease centres except under very rigid control.