§ Mr. MILLSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that, although the attention of the Board of Agriculture was drawn to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Hounslow by the 2nd of July, no notice was sent to the market authorities at Southall until the 5th of July; and whether, in view of the number of cattle which were sent to the market in consequence of no notice being received between the 2nd and 5th of July, and having therefore to be slaughtered, he will take steps 932W to see that the owners of such cattle receive adequate compensation for the loss they sustained through no fault of their own?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYNo report as to the suspected existence of foot-and-mouth disease at Hounslow was received by the Board until 1.55 p.m. an the 3rd ultimo. Two of the veterinary officers of the Board at once visited the premises and the existence of disease was confirmed by telephone at 8.15 p.m. The necessary orders wore issued on the following day and were communicated to the local authority and to the police. The Board have no power to pay compensation for the losses to which the hon. Member refers.