FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

HC Deb 06 December 1926 vol 200 cc1689-90W

Mr. SHORT

asked the Minister of Agriculture the cost of combating foot-and-mouth disease during the present year and the total cost for 1925?

Mr. GUINNESS

The total cost of combating foot-and-mouth disease during the financial year ending 31st of March, 1926, was £311,980, and for the period during the present financial year up to the 30th of November last, £169,983.

Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred last week; and whether any progress has been made in discovering the origin of recent outbreaks where contact with diseased animals has not taken place?

Mr. GUINNESS

Two outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease were confirmed during the week ending 4th December, namely, at Chester and Weekly, Northants, both on 29th November. The origin of these outbreaks is obscure. Nothing further has been discovered since my answer to my hon. Friend's question on 17th November, which would account for the origin of recent outbreaks where contact with diseased animals has not taken place.