§ 76. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what diseases are affecting the poultry in Scotland; and whether the general standard at poultry farms is considered satisfactory by the Department in charge of this service?
Mr. WEDDERBURNThe most serious diseases at present affecting poultry stocks in Scotland are fowl paralysis and coccidiosis. Intestinal parasites, diseases of the reproductive system, bacillary white diarrhoea, fowl-pox and tuberculosis are the other chief sources of loss. The general standard of health at poultry farms throughout the country cannot be regarded as satisfactory, but research is actively in progress at different centres in the United Kingdom on the problem of controlling these diseases.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not the case that a serious situation has arisen in regard to poultry-keeping in Scotland, and what has the hon. Gentleman's Department been doing to find out what is the cause of these diseases? Has it not been stated that they are due to the increase in the demands made on the hens to lay more and more eggs—
§ Mr. MAXTONSweated.
§ Mr. HARDIEYes; or is it merely a transfer of the mental condition of the Government to the poultry of Scotland?