§ 86. Sir HENRY CAUTLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the original outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire, about a fortnight ago, 34 cattle were found infected and were left several days before slaughter; that on slaughter the blood of the animals and others which were killed for market was allowed to run into a small river which flows through Farnsfield to and through Edinglymoor, and that shortly afterwards foot-and-mouth disease broke out among the cattle of a farmer at Edinglymoor, whose farm adjoins this river, and contains a large number of cattle of his own breeding and none of which had been in contact with any other known possible source of infection; and will he take steps to transfer the official responsible for this negligence?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. N. Buxton)The outbreak at Hall Farm, Farnsfield, was reported on the 13th and confirmed on the 14th February. Arrangements had to be made for the slaughter and disposal of no less than 74 animals, and this was completed on the 15th February. It is correct that the drains from Hall Farm discharge into a small brook, which, at another part of its course, runs through the premises of Moor Farm, Edinglymoor. Particulars with regard to drainage are not always easily ascertined by the Ministry's Inspector, and slaughter had begun before he obtained full information. But only one or two absolutely healthy animals, which it was deemed advisable to kill first, for salvage, had then been slaughtered. When the Inspector obtained the information the drains were stopped. I am satisfied that the Ministry's officials do all that is possible under very difficult circumstances to stamp out the disease, 1924 and that no blame attaches in any way to the Inspector concerned in connection with the case in question.
§ Sir H. CAUTLEYCan the Minister say what was the cause of the outbreak at Edinglymoor?
§ Mr. BUXTONI am afraid I cannot.
§ 89. Captain TERRELLasked the Minister of Agriculture, if he has received representations of the agricultural interest in the country in favour of a complete cessation of the movement of stock in this country for at least three weeks with the object of endeavouring to stamp out the foot-and-mouth disease; and, if so, what is the opinion of his advisers on the suggestion?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe reply to the first part is in the affirmative. I am advised, however, that the issue of an order on the lines suggested would be impracticable, not only from the point of view of the disorganisation of agricultural business which would result, but more especially owing to the great difficulty which would arise in feeding towns and cities with large populations. Moreover, having regard to the fact that infection may be carried by human beings, an Order to restrict the movement of cattle alone would fail to achieve the object desired.