HC Deb 04 August 1924 vol 176 cc2547-9W
Mr. EMLYN-JONES

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the loss of employment suffered by farm labourers due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the county of Dorset; that such labourers are precluded from obtaining other employment on neighbouring farms due to the fear of infection; and whether, in determining the amount of compensation to be paid, some provision can be made for labourers who temporarily lose their work on farms where outbreaks occur?

Mr. BUXTON

From special inquiries I have had made in this matter, it does not appear that there are any farm workers in Dorset unemployed as a result of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. The remainder of the question does not therefore arise.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any further information as to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Dorset; whether there have been any fresh outbreaks since the last announcement; what is the total number of cases in this area up to date; and how many head of cattle have been slaughtered?

Mr. BUXTON

Since the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil (Major Davies) on the 24th July two further outbreaks have occurred in Dorset and two in the Salisbury district of Wiltshire, sonic 12 miles from the nearest Dorset outbreak. The total number of confirmed cases in the area up to the 2nd inst. is 15, involving the slaughter of 460 cattle.

Sir H. BARNSTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state, since the 1st July, the number of new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease; the number of infected premises; the number of cases, if any, where treatment instead of slaughter is being tried and the number of animals slaughtered, diseased and in contact?

Mr. BUXTON

The total number of premises on which foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed during the month of July was 74, involving six new centres of disease and the extension of five existing areas. Slaughter was adopted in each outbreak and the total number of animals slaughtered or authorised to be slaugh- tered was: cattle 2,373, sheep 3,109 and pigs 599. Particulars of the animals actually infected with the disease at the time of slaughter are not immediately available.