§ 35. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has evidence showing that outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease arise in any degree owing to methods of transit of animals; and what steps he is taking in the matter?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)Yes, Sir; the transit of animals is undoubtedly responsible for much of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. I am sending my hon. Friend particulars of the Ministry's Regulations which deal with this matter.
§ Mr. HURDAre there not some new points coming before my right hon. Friend which seem to require alteration of these Regulations?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI shall be very glad to go into any points which my hon. Friend may raise.
§ 38. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease that have occurred in the United Kingdom during the current financial year; the number of animals slaughtered; the amount of compensation paid; and what proportion of the amount comes out of the local taxation account?
§ Mr. GUINNESSFrom the 1st April, 1925, to the 25th ultimo, 284 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in this country, involving the slaughter of 22,066 animals and the payment of £ 276,718 in compensation. The total net expenditure on account of foot-and-mouth disease during the same period, including compensation, administration expenses, disinfection of premises, etc., less receipts from salvage, has amounted to £302,414, of which £201,414 will be defrayed from local taxation accounts.
§ 39. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recent regulations making it necessary that a record must be kept of all movements of cattle, he will consider whether, in isolated outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, smaller areas might safely be scheduled?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI hope that the new Records Order will result in limiting the spread of infection, but I am afraid it will not enable a smaller area to be placed under restriction in the first place.