§ Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Minister of Agriculture what amount in compensation and in administration has been spent in order to cope with the foot-and-mouth disease during the past 12 months; and can he state what amount has been spent in the same period in scientific research devoted to the study and prevention of diseases in animals?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe grose amount of compensation payable in respect of the present series of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease(i.e., from the 27th August, 1923, up to and including 13th instant) is estimated at 12,803,000. This figure, however, is subject to a deduction of some £363,750, which represents the estimated receipts for salvage, thus leaving a net cost for compensation of approximately £2,439,250. Administrative expenses during the period amount to approximately £357,000. With regard to the second part, approximately £60,000 was allocated in the current year to the Ministry for general investigation into animal diseases.
Major KINDEASLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to a letter dated the 13th December, 1923, from Mr. A. E. Butterfield, of Stevenage, Herts, addressed to the Ministry and acknowledged by it on the 4th January, 1924, suggesting that a State-aided scheme of insurance against foot-and-mouth disease be initiated on the same lines as was done during the War in regard to marine insurance; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe reply to the first part is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I may explain that the Departmental Committee which I have just appointed to report on the present series of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been asked to consider the question of insurance against losses caused by this disease.