HC Deb 11 February 1926 vol 191 cc1237-8
77. Sir HUGH LUCAS-TOOTH

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, while a farmer receives compensation for an animal which is found to be tubercular, if tuberculosis is discovered after sale to a butcher no compensation is paid; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to remove this anomaly?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware that a farmer received partial compensation for an animal which is compulsorily slaughtered under the Tuberculosis Order in consequence of being affected with one of the specified forms of tuberculosis. The object of that Order is the prevention of the spread of tuberculosis amongst cattle. The proposal to pay compensation to butchers for animals found, after slaughter, to be tuberculous was considered and rejected by the Departmental Committee on Meat Inspection and I am not prepared to introduce legislation to give effect to this proposal.