HC Deb 26 February 1914 vol 58 cc1969-70W
Mr. C. BATHURST

asked if the President of the Board of Agriculture will give to the House the latest information received by the Board in reference to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease?

Mr. HERBERT LEWIS

No outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed since the two confirmed at Liverpool on Monday last, particulars of which have already been announced to the House. The reports from all the three scheduled areas are satisfactory.

Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will consider the advisability of reappointing the Departmental Committee, with the addition of some scientific experts, to further consider recent development experiences in the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Departmental Committee to which my hon. Friend refers was appointed little more than two years ago to inquire into the circumstances of the then recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and to consider whether any further measures could be adopted to prevent their recurrence. The Committee, with the assistance of the best expert opinions available, examined the whole question with great care, and in their Report unanimously approved the methods followed in this country for dealing with the disease. No new conditions bearing on the subject having arisen, I see no reason for considering it advisable to reappoint the Committee.

Mr. FIELD

also asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will immediately cause inquiry to be made respecting the infection of foot-and-mouth distemper occurring to live stock detained in Birkenhead lairages and report the result to the House; and whether he can state when he expects to open the port?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Very careful inquiries are being made to acertain the origin of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the lairages at Birkenhead, and I hope to be able to make a full statement to the House on Monday next.

Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if, in consequence of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Redditch, in Worcestershire, it is proposed to interfere in any way with next week's shorthorn show and sale at Bingley Hall, Birmingham?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The answer is in the negative.

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