§ 62. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any information in connection with the charge against a man at Wonford petty sessions, Devon, on Tuesday, 29th July, for not burying the carcase of a lamb at Broad-clyst, Devon, on 2nd July; whether he is aware of the danger of burying in the ground bad meat and offal; and whether he will give instructions to have all bad meat and offal burned?
Mr. HudsonI have ascertained that the prosecution was taken by the police under Section 6 of the Dogs Act, 1906, which makes it an offence to permit the carcase of any cattle, horse, sheep, pig, etc., to remain unburied in any field to which dogs can gain access. The carcase which was found to be lying close to a hedge adjoining the public road must have been there for several days in view of its advanced stage of decomposition, and as other sheep had access to the place where the carcase was found, there would have been considerable risk, had the animal died from an infectious disease. With regard to the second part of the Question, I am advised that, provided burial is carried out in a proper manner and in a suitable place, no danger to animal health will ensue.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that. it was discovered 60 years ago that it was dangerous to bury 2093 diseased meat, and as a result it was decided to burn it, I myself having burned many tons of it?