§ Mr. SMITH-CARINGTONasked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred amongst cattle imported from Ireland within a week of their arrival in this country; and whether the outbreak at Edithweston, in Rutland, is attributed to cattle imported from Ireland?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONI have been asked to reply. No case of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred during the present series of outbreaks amongst cattle imported from Ireland within a week of their arrival in this country. The outbreak at Edith Weston occurred amongst Irish cattle which left Holyhead on the 15th October. Disease was reported on the 26th October and confirmed on the 27th by the Ministry's Inspector. The lesions were recent and it is considered from inquiries which have been made that infection was picked up by these animals after arrival in Great Britain.
§ Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of cases of foot-and-mouth disease which have occurred in the Midland Counties since the beginning of October; and whether he has any particulars to prove that the outbreak was originally caused by the importation of infected cattle from abroad?
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§ Sir H. BARNSTONThirty-six outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred since the beginning of October in certain Midland Counties, particulars of which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I understand that there is no evidence which would indicate that infection in the case of any of these outbreaks was introduced by cattle imported from abroad. The following outbreaks have occurred in Midland Counties since 1st October last:
Cheshire … … 3 Derby … … 5 Leicester … … 9 Northampton … … 7 Rutland … … 2 Stafford … … 2 Warwick … … 8 36
§ Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to prevent the importation of articles packed in straw and other similar packings from those countries known to be infected by foot-and-mouth disease?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONWhile my right hon. Friend cannot undertake at present to make an Order of the extent indicated in the question, he is carefully considering the means of preventing risk of infection through the agency of packing material. In this connection an Order has just been issued, to become operative on the 19th instant, which prohibits hay and straw from whatever source, which has been used for packing, from being brought into contact with animals in this country. Such material may not be removed from any premises (unless used again as packing), except for the purpose of destruction.