§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he has received a copy of the resolution unanimously adopted at a recent meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture, requesting the Board to appoint a Departmental Committee to consider the best means of checking the increase of anthrax among live stock in Great Britain; and, if so, whether, having regard to the development of this disease with a consequent increase of mortality among both men and farm animals and also to the alleged errors in its diagnosis, the Board is prepared to accede to such request?
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked whether, in view of the danger to human beings and animals through the increase of the disease of anthrax, and in view of the doubts which have been thrown on the diagnosis 1726W of the disease, the Board of Agriculture will take steps to appoint a Departmental Committee to make a thorough investigation of all matters connected with so dangerous and prevalent a disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Resolution mentioned has been received and considered. As I have already stated in the House, the Board's veterinary officers are continuously engaged in making inquiry as to the causes of the spread of anthrax and a revised Anthrax Order, designed to secure a more efficient method of diagnosis, will be issued shortly. In these circumstances the Board do not think that much advantage would accrue to agriculturists by the appointment of the Committee suggested at the present time.