§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he has made inquiries as to the treatment of foot-and-mouth disease, otherwise than by slaughtering, in France; and, if so, with what result?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANInquiries are being made as to the methods by which foot-and-mouth disease is treated in France, but experience has shown that the extirpation of the disease is much more rapidly and certainly secured by the methods adopted in this country than is the case when animals found to be affected are merely isolated and placed under appropriate medical treatment.
§ Mr. LARDNERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture under what conditions cattle may be removed by rail from one part of England to another where the place of origin and the place of destination are not scheduled areas, but where the railway line over which cattle are carried passes through a scheduled area; and will he give the reference to any Orders of his Department dealing with this subject?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANSpeaking generally, the movement of animals by railway through a scheduled area is not prohibited, provided that the movement takes place without unnecessary delay, and that the animals are not untrucked or rebooked within the area. I may refer the hon. Member to Article 16 of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Order of 1895, a copy of which I shall be glad to send to him.