§ 28. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the new outbreaks of grass-sickness among horses in different parts of Scotland; and whether he can make any statement on the steps now being taken to abate the scourge?
Mr. WedderburnMy right hon. Friend is aware that grass sickness, which is a seasonal disease, is again becoming prevalent in certain parts of Scotland. The disease has been the subject of intensive research over a long period by the Animal Diseases Research Association, Edinburgh, and in view of its economic importance the Government, during the current financial year, have made a grant to the Association of £9,800 for the extension of their premises, and a further grant of £3,200 for an intensification of their research into the subject. This large-scale investigation now in progress is not sufficiently advanced for results to be known.