HC Deb 10 February 1930 vol 235 cc22-3
41. Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in each of the last five years; and the number of animals affected in each outbreak?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Noel Buxton)

As the reply consists of a number of figures, I propose, with the permission of the hon. and gallant Member, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the country is free from this disease at the present time?

Mr. BUXTON

It would be too rash to say that we are free, but there has been a very satisfactory decrease.

Following is the reply:

Mr. N. BUXTON

In reply to the last part of the question, it would not, I am afraid, be practicable to restrain by legislation action of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend. I have received evidence of growing dissatisfaction felt by poultry farmers owing to loss incurred through foxes, but it is not possible to make a computation of the annual loss from this cause. I may say, however, that it is regarded as a handicap to the growth of the poultry industry through its influence in preventing people from taking up poultry farming.

Mr. EDE

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that a poultry farmer on finding a fox on his land is justified in killing it?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a hypothetical question and entirely a matter of opinion.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the worst offender in the preservation of foxes is the Forestry Commission who find them useful for keeping down rabbits?

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman has had a report made to him upon the damage done by fox hunting? Will he have that report issued as soon as possible?

Mr. BUXTON

I have had several reports from the National Poultry Council, and I will consider whether there is any matter for report.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman had a report made by an officer of his own Department, and will he not issue that as soon as possible?

Mr. BUXTON

I will consider whether anything can be done.