HC Deb 02 June 1924 vol 174 cc878-9
71. Mr. BLACK

asked the Minister of Agriculture the exact position with respect to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain on 1st June, 1924?

Mr. BUXTON

The position with regard to foot-and-mouth disease has continued satisfactorily to improve during the month of May, when only 35 outbreaks were confirmed, as compared with 63 in April and 215 in March. No outbreak has occurred for the past nine days, and no suspected cases are at present under investigation. As a result of the improved position, it has been possible to make large reductions in the extent of areas under restrictions. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the latest statistics with regard to outbreaks of the disease.

Major WHELER

May I ask whether, in the more recent cases, the right hon. Gentleman has been able satisfactorily to trace the cause of these outbreaks?

Mr. BUXTON

There are many circumstances which made it impossible to trace them.

Following are the statistics:

Statement showing the distribution of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which occurred in Great Britain during the month of May, 1924:

County. Total during May, 1924.
England.
Bedford … 1
Chester … 1
Lancaster … 2
Leicester … 2
Lincs., Kesteven … 1
Northampton … 1
Northumberland … 7
Nottingham … 1
Salop … 3
Stafford … 2
Warwick … 6
York, West Riding … 1
Total, England … 28
Wales.
Denbigh … 2
Total, Wales … 2
Scotland
Ayr … 2
Linlithgow … 1
Perth … 1
Renfrew … 1
Total, Scotland … 5
Total for Great Britain … 35
— Cattle. Sheep. Pigs. Goats.
Total number of animals slaughtered or authorised to be slaughtered. 104,076 43,684 48,005 128
Percentage of animals slaughtered to total animal population of Great Britain. 1.48% 0.2% 1.7% —
£
Estimated gross compensation payable … … … 3,322,000
Estimated receipts for salvage of healthy carcases … … … 490,000
Estimated administrative expenses … … … 442,600
Total net expenditure … … … 3,274,600