§ 36. Mr. SAVERYasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made by State research in detecting the causes of foot-and-mouth disease, and whether any effective remedy has been discovered?
Mr. GUINNESSThe first progress Report of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee, which was published by His Majesty's Stationery Office last year, sets out in considerable detail the progress attained in the investigations into the cause of this disease. A further progress Report is now in preparation by the Committee. No effective preventive has yet been discovered.
§ Mr. FENBYAre the right hon. Gentleman and his Department still convinced that the slaughter policy is the best one for dealing with this epidemic?
§ Mr. FENBYHow much money was set aside for the slaughter policy during this financial year, and how much has been spent?
Mr. GUINNESSThere is a certain amount set aside under an annual Vote, but we always have to take a Supplementary Estimate when foot-and-mouth disease is rife in the country. If the hon. 838 Gentleman will put down a question, I will give him the exact figures.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs there not an international committee investigating these questions under the auspices of the League of Nations, and is the right hon. Gentleman's Department in full liaison with this committee?