HC Deb 31 March 1927 vol 204 cc1425-6
80. Mr. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of out breaks of foot-and-mouth disease in 1926; the number of animals slaughtered; and the amount of compensation paid?

Mr. GUINNESS

204 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease occurred in the year ended 31st December, 1926, in connection with which 20,002 animals were slaughtered. The gross compensation paid was £188,605.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the embargo on the importation of foreign meat has had a good deal to do with these very satisfactory figures?

Mr. GUINNESS

I think there is no doubt it is the combined effect of the embargo and the new Order which we have imposed in connection with boiling swill. In the first three months of this year we have only paid £28,750 compensation, against £67,000 in the corresponding period of last year.