HC Deb 13 December 1912 vol 45 cc961-2W
Captain GILMOUR

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if, in view of the renewed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland, he will consider the advisability of preventing the distribution of manure from Merklands Wharf, Glasgow, or elsewhere where cattle are slaughtered after landing, with the object of preventing the possible spread of disease, in view of the danger of the germs of disease being carried in manure so spread through the country; and will he state what steps, if any, are taken to effect sterilisation, and whether this can effectively be done?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Manure is not removed from the wharf until all the animals have been closely examined by a veterinary inspector of the Board and found to be free from foot-and-mouth disease, and it is thoroughly mixed with quicklime before removal. In view of these precautions I am satisfied that there is no necessity for the adoption of the course suggested.

Sir JOHN SPEAR

asked if the proposed Research Committee for the investigation of foot-and-mouth disease in India has been appointed; and, is so, when will the Committee commence their work?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers was appointed on the 14th June last. Two of the veterinary inspectors of the Board left England for India on the 6th September to commence investigations on lines which had been already approved by the Committee, and Sir John McFadyean, one of the members of the Committee, left for India on the 29th ultimo with a view to the conduct and supervision of the work on behalf of the Committee. The Government of India have also detailed three of their veterinary officers to co-operate with our nominees in the work of the Committee.

Mr. McGHEE

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board had had under consideration a proposal of the Irish Department of Agriculture to withdraw the restriction at present placed upon the export and import of hay into the respective countries; and if any decision has been arrived at?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The proposal to which the hon. Member refers has been carefully considered, but I regret that under existing circumstances I do not see my way clear to agree to it.