HC Deb 16 June 1913 vol 54 c55W
Mr. JAMES HOPE

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can see his way to introduce legislation amending the law with regard to tuberculous cattle, so as to admit of compensation being paid in the case of cows on a milking rather than a carcase value, and relieving from criminal liability sellers in the market of beasts which they had no reason to suppose were otherwise than sound?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The working of the Tuberculosis Order will be carefully watched by the Board, and if experience shows that the present measure of compensation for the slaughter of tuberculous cattle results in hardship, I shall be prepared to consider the question of amending the Order. This can be done without legislation. If I am right in interpreting the latter part of the question as referring to the penalty attaching to the sale of unsound meat, I must refer the hon. Gentleman on that point to my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

also asked the President whether he can see his way to introduce legislation extending to the case of pigs the existing practice with regard to compensation for the slaughter of tuberculous cattle?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The answer is in the negative.