§ 68. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland what local authorities in Scotland now carry out veterinary inspection of dairy herds?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)The Scottish Board of Health have no definite information in regard to a systematic veterinary inspection of dairy herds in rural areas. But it is understood that in some of these areas a more or less systematic inspection is in operation. The counties of Lanarkshire, Ayr, and Dumfries have whole-time veterinary inspectors who endeavour to overtake this work. It is hoped that more detailed information will be available when the Milk and Dairies Act, 1914, has been in operation for some time. So far as the majority of burghal areas is concerned, and particularly in the cities and large towns, a systematic veterinary inspection of cows is carried out once a quarter or less frequently. In no case does the above veterinary inspection include systematic tuberculin testing.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not a fact that 50 per cent, of the herds which supply milk to Glasgow are affected with bovine tuberculosis?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, I cannot accept that figure. I would point out to the hon. Member that the legislation which I have indicated will largely deal with that difficulty.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEWill the Minister undertake to make some definite inquiry into this matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Board of Health and the Board of Agriculture are constantly in touch with this matter, and are doing everything possible to expedite the supervision of herds.