§ 32. Mr. ALFRED WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases of foot-and-mouth disease there have been since the Carluke outbreaks; and whether in any of these cases the origin has been traced?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)The last outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Carluke occurred on 14th June, and since that date there have been three further outbreaks; two near Crewe in Cheshire, and one at Elmstead near Colchester. No positive evidence has been obtained as to the origin of these outbreaks, but in the case of one of the Crewe outbreaks, the owner had allowed packing material from the Continent to come in contact with his pigs contrary to the provisions of the Foot - and - Mouth Disease (Packing Order of 1925. Proceedings. are being taken against the owner for contravention of the Order.
Mr. KENNEDYDid the recent outbreaks referred to take place since the prohibition of the importation of meat from the Continent?
§ Mr. GUINNESSYes.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI should like to ask you, Mr. Speaker, why it is that the. Minister of Agriculture, who is essentially an English Minister, answers a question in regard to Scotland when we have the Secretary for Scotland here?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMy recollection is that the Act under which the proceedings are taken refers to both countries.
§ 33. Mr. WOMERSLEY(forMr. ROY WILSON) asked the Minister of Agriculture when he proposes to lay before the House his proposals for the establishment of a land bank and for short-term credits for farmers?
§ Mr. GUINNESSNegotiations in regard to this matter have proved to be more difficult than I had hoped would be the case, and for this reason I regret that I am not in a position to suggest a date when I may be able to lay proposals before the House.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs the Minister also discussing the question of chattel mortgages?
§ Mr. GUINNESSYes, Sir.