§ Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has any information concerning the seizure and condemnation of four pigs, and the partial condemnation of four others, entered for the carcase competition at the Smithfield Club show; and whether all animals entered for this competition are closely examined by a duly qualified veterinary inspector before admission to the Agricultural Hall?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am informed that four of the pigs entered for the carcase competition at the recent Smithfield Club Show were condemned when slaughtered at the Metropolitan Cattle Market, and four others partially so. The animals entered for the competition are quite distinct from those entered in the show proper, and are exhibited in a separate building alive up to 5 p.m. on the opening day of the show, when they are removed to the Metropolitan Cattle Market for slaughter, the carcases being returned to the hall on the Wednesday morning for judging and exhibition. The carcases of the eight animals mentioned above were, of course, not returned. All the animals entered for the show are carefully examined on arrival by the veterinary staff of the club before admission into the hall, but, as the hon. Member is aware, an animal affected with tuberculosis does not necessarily show clinical symptoms of the disease.