The following Question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. ALFRED WILLIAMS:To ask the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease there were last week; and whether the origin of the recent outbreaks in Kent and Sussex has yet been traced.
§ Mr. HURDOn a point of Order. I think, Mr. Speaker, you were good enough to suggest that I might put, as a supplementary question to this question, a Private Notice Question, which I proposed to address to the Minister. May I put it now?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI told the Ion. Member that he could ask the question if we reached it before a quarter to Four o'clock.
§ Mr. HURDYou were also good enough to say, Sir, that I might put a supplementary question to this question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERQuestion 33 was not asked, but I hope that there will be time for the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HURD(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give details of the fresh outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Wiltshire and Norfolk; and state whether the causes have been traced and what progress has been made here and on the Continent in preventative research?
Mr. GUINNESSIn the outbreak at Wacton near Norwich, confirmed on the 23rd November, 26 cattle were found affected, all with recent lesions. In all 146 animals have been slaughtered at an approximate cost for compensation of £1,550.
The outbreak at Ramsbury, Wiltshire, was confirmed on 25th November. Five cattle with recent lesions were found affected. Fifty-five cattle have been slaughtered. No origin has yet been established in either case, but inquiries are still proceeding.
As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 22nd November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Louth (Lieut.- Colonel Heneage).