§ 34. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to recent experiments which showed that the virus of yellow fever was still alive after being completely frozen for 12 days; and what steps are being taken, in view of the possibility of foot-and-mouth disease being introduced into this country in frozen, and still more in merely chilled, carcases from abroad?
Mr. GUINNESSThe answer to the first part is in the affirmative. On the discovery by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee that bone marrow
§ as regards the number of breeders of pedigree animals is not available. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement with regard to grants.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain particulars?
Mr. GUINNESSI think it would be very difficult to get these statistics for the six counties, but I will see what information we have and let the hon. Baronet have it.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has in North Wales a representative who should have these statistics?
Commander WILLIAMSWould not the cost of obtaining these figures be almost prohibitive and would not the expenditure be at variance with the policy of the Liberal party?
§ Following is the information:
§ remained infective in frozen and chilled carcases, the Ministry made arrangements with the South American Govern-merits for the initiation of precautionary measures designed to prevent the risk of the introduction of infection through frozen and chilled meat. As an additional precaution Orders have also been issued which require the boiling of waste foodstuffs of animal origin and the sterilisation of meat wrappings. I am sending the hon. Baronet a full statement of the various measures referred to.
§ Sir R. THOMASAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that he 403 now does believe that foot-and-mouth disease can be imported into this country in frozen or chilled carcases?
§ Sir R. THOMASIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he said a few weeks ago that there was no risk?
§ Sir R. THOMASHas the right hon. Gentleman some proof now?
Mr. GUINNESSNo, I have no proof. I only said there is a risk, and that we are doing all we can to provide against it.
§ Mr. HURDHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the suggestion made in another place with regard to quarantine provisions?
Mr. GUINNESSThe proposal that this meat should be kept for 21 days, I think it was, in store, would, of course, make it uneatable, and it would deprive consumers in this country of any supplies of chilled meat.
Mr. GUINNESSOh, no; frozen meat could still be brought in, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, that is not such a popular form of importation as chilled meat.
Dr. VERNON DAVIESHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of seeing that these carcases are imported with the head and feet attached?
Mr. GUINNESSThat would be a very illusory safeguard, because animals may be in an infective condition without lesions on the head and feet.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that there is less risk in importing live animals than dead?
§ 35. Mr. HASLAMasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any information to give as to the progress made by the Argentine Government in measures taken 404 to prevent the exportation of meat infected with the virus of foot-and-mouth disease into this country?
Mr. GUINNESSI am informed that the Argentine Government have appointed 70 additional veterinary inspectors and have stationed them in the country to inspect cattle before they are despatched to the frigorificos for slaughter. The veterinary staffs in the frigorificos have also been strengthened in order to administer the new Decree which forbids the export to Britain of the carcases of animals when affected with disease, or of any animals which have been in immediate contact with them. The railway companies are proceeding with the installation of plants for the disinfection of trucks as required by the Decree. A real attempt is apparently being made by all parties to carry out the new law which is designed to protect Great Britain from the introduction of infection.