Earl of DALKEITHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the repeated appeals from the Teviotdale Farmers' Club and other agricultural bodies, he will consult his experts to ascertain whether free movement of sheep over the rest of the country could be permitted by all local authorities, provided that the areas in the country where sheep scab exists were scheduled, dipping of the sheep therein carried out under competent supervision, and restrictions placed on the movement of sheep from those areas to
1398W
— England (excluding Monmouth). Wales (including Monmouth). Scotland. No. No. No. Cows and Heifers in milk … … 1,706,321 268,225 361,742 Cows in Calf but not in milk … … 239,138 29,883 42,132 Heifers in Calf with first Calf … … 341,041 30,189 51,489 Total … … 2,286,500 328,297 455,363 Other Cattle … … 2,746,351 461,844 738,227 Total of Cattle 5,032,851 790,141 1,193,590 prevent the disease being conveyed therefrom?
§ Mr. BUXTONIn view of the prevalence of sheep scab in as many as 51 counties in England and Wales and 20 in Scotland in 1923, I regret that I do not see my way to withdraw from local authorities the power to make protective regulations conferred on them by the Sheep Scab Order of 1920. Moreover, the new policy for dealing with scab initiated by the Sheep Scab Order of 1923 does not come into full operation until 1st July next, and until the results of that policy can be seen I do not feel justified in making any departure from the existing methods of combating this disease.