§ 65. Sir G. FOXasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet been able to trace the cause of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; and what has been the expenditure incurred to date in connection with compensation arising through this outbreak?
§ Major ELLIOTSince the 8th January, 33 outbreaks have been confirmed, and of these 27 are directly or indirectly attributable to infection contracted at loading banks at Reading, on the 5th and 6th January. I regret, however, that it has not been possible to discover the original cause of these or of the remaining six outbreaks. The compensation payable amounts to £34,895.
§ 71. Sir C. CAYZERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the possibility that the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease may be traceable to the importation of cheap foreign bacon, the remnants of which are fed to homegrown pigs, this suggestion has been fully investigated; and, in the event of its justification, whether the Government is prepared to take steps to stop such importation, and so save the expenditure at present consequent upon outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and also assist still further the home production of bacon?
§ Major ELLIOTA certain risk attaches to the feeding of remnants of bacon to pigs; but the Ministry in its investigations has found no reason to suppose that recent outbreaks have been due particularly to this cause. Food containing remnants of bacon, as of other meat, must under an Order of 1928 be boiled for an hour before being fed to pigs.
§ Sir C. CAYZERIs it not a fact that foot-and-mouth disease was found in foreign pork some years ago, and does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think it worth while investigating this matter further?
§ Major ELLIOTIf my hon. Friend has any suggestions which he wishes to bring forward, I shall be glad to have them further investigated.