HC Deb 05 June 1924 vol 174 cc1445-6
44. Mr. EGAN

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will lay before this House the terms and rates paid by the Government to contractors and sub-contractors for slaughtering and marketing cattle during the recent foot-and-mouth epidemic?

Mr. BUXTON

The rates vary in different parts of the country and according to the local circumstances attending outbreaks, but the average cost per head for the slaughter of cattle and marketing of carcases is about £3. This includes haulage of carcases from the farm to the meat market, commission on sale and market dues.

58. Earl of DALKEITH

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has carefully considered the correspondence between the Ministry and the county clerk of Dumfriesshire concerning a foot- and-mouth disease Order of 22nd April applied to this county; whether he can make any statement in justification of the action of the Ministry in issuing this Order; whether he is aware that there has been great loss and hardship caused by this action; and whether he can give any assurances that more consideration for those who will be affected will be given in future before such Orders are issued?

Mr. BUXTON

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. I am satisfied that my officers are fully justified in taking immediate action in all cases when the suspected existence of foot-and-mouth disease is reported from a reliable source. While I very much regret the loss and inconvenience which may be caused by a temporary interference with trade while investigation is being made (in this case extending only to four days), they are very light compared with the enormous losses which are often incurred on the occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease, and make it imperative that no risks should be taken. While my Department has always in mind the serious consequences of a standstill Order, it is essential to retain its power to act on suspicion; indeed, both the Ministry and local authorities have more generally been reproached for their reluctance to accept unconfirmed evidence of the existence of disease.