§ 65. Lord APSLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now any definite evidence as to the origin of the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which have spread through the New Forest and into Wiltshire; whether the recent outbreak near Southampton has been traced to the same or to a different source; and whether the source of any outbreaks have been traced to feed or bedding given to store cattle landed at Southampton docks?
Mr. GUINNESSFoot-and-mouth disease existed so long in the New Forest before it was reported to the Ministry that it has been impossible to obtain definite evidence of the cause of the original outbreak. The recent outbreak at Southampton was due to an infected cow which was purchased at Salisbury market on the 15th November, and it is probable that infection originally came from the New Forest. The answer to the last part is in the negative.
§ Lord APSLEYWould the right hon. Gentleman therefore say that the infection did not come from Southampton at all, but originally from the New Forest?
Mr. GUINNESSIt is impossible to dogmatise about it, but we have recently found pigs in the New Forest the feet of which are growing again after foot-and-mouth disease, and it would seem that the disease existed in the New Forest without any notification to us before it was found in Southampton.
§ Lord APSLEYIs there any evidence of any infection coming from Southampton?
Mr. GUINNESSThat is a matter for the local authority, in consultation with the veterinary department of the Ministry. In all these cases, prosecutions are brought where prima facie cases are established.