§ 26. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a poultry farm, styling itself the largest producer of day-old chicks in the country, with an annual sale of approximately 1,000,000 chicks, is affected with the disease of bacillary white diarrhœa, and that complaints are being made that persons all over the country have received diseased chicks and have in no case been given adequate compensation by the said poultry farmers; and whether he will consider taking action with a view to preventing the spread of this disease throughout the country?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware of the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question. I have no statutory powers to control the sale of poultry: but I have recently issued to all Local Authorities for their consideration and adoption the draft of a scheme on a voluntary basis, designed to promote the supply of stock which is healthy and, in particular, free from bacillary white diarrhœa. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the scheme.
§ Mr. ATTLEEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry from his experts in the county of Yorkshire in regard to this matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf the hon. Member will send me any information, I shall be prepared to inquire.