LORD LILFORDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for information as to the reported outbreak of cattle plague in the Island of Cyprus, and as to the measures taken in consequence thereof? He regarded the question as one of importance, mainly because of the great increase in the importation of cattle into the Island for the use of the European population. In 1878 there was scarcely any importation of that kind; but in 1879 a very large number of cattle were imported. The Cypriotes themselves had an objection to cow's milk; but the cattle imported were frequently used for draught purposes. Consequently, if diseased cattle were imported, the disease would speedily spread throughout the Island. He had no doubt that the subject had attracted the attention of the local Executive, which, he agreed with the noble Earl who spoke on Cyprus the previous night (the Earl of Camperdown), had most ably administered the affairs of the Island.
§ EARL GRANVILLE,in reply, said, that towards the close of last year an outbreak of cattle plague or rinderpest in the Island was reported by the Government, and orders were given by the Privy Council to the Government of Cyprus to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the infection. Those orders were carried out in February. Subsequently the Government discovered that the cattle plague existed on the shores of Syria, and they immediately took measures to prevent the importation of cattle thence to Cyprus. He was glad to hear that a Report had since been received in which it was stated that there had been no extension of the disease.