§ 34. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Agriculture what has been to date the total sum paid as compensation by the Government to the owners of animals slaughtered as a result of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks since 1918; what is the wage paid to the slaughterers; and whether, in view of the cost to the taxpayer, he will consider offering a reward of at least £20,000 sterling to any scientist who will produce an effective remedy or preventive of this disease?
§ Major Sir GEORGE HENNESSY (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)I have been asked to reply. The total sum paid in compensation since 1918 to the 15th December, 1927, amounts to £5,186,833, but £877,037 has been received from the sale of carcases of animals slaughtered. The wages paid to slaughtermen vary according to the district and the special circumstances of the case, but are generally about 1s. 6d. per head for cattle and 1s. per head for pigs and sheep. The discovery of an effective remedy or preventive of the disease is more likely to be made by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee which has been at work since 1924 than by the offer of a monetary reward.
§ Major GLYNWill my hon. and gallant Friend convey to the Minister the request that he will find out what steps are being taken not only by that Committee but by other countries, and that if there were such a reward you would have the whole world working to try to get a solution of this problem which you will not get by confining it solely to this country?
§ Mr. SHEPHERDCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what amount of compensation has been paid to farm labourers who have lost their employment through the slaughter of these animals?
§ Sir G. HENNESSYI should require notice of that question.