§ Sir D. NEWTONasked the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease are attributed by his Department, directly or indirectly, to the importation of carcases from abroad; and if he can furnish any estimate of the cost which has thereby been incurred in administration and compensation?
Mr. GUINNESSThirty-four outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in the Lanarkshire area between 22nd May and 30th July, 1926, which may be attributed directly or indirectly to imported carcases. In respect of these outbreaks approximately 227,500 has been paid in compensation and £7,000 spent on administration.
§ Sir D. NEWTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to take powers to withhold payment of compensation payable in connection with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cases where it appears to be in the public interest to do so?
Mr. GUINNESSSection 20 (7) of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, provides that the Minister may withhold, either wholly or partially, compensation in respect of an animal, slaughtered under the Act where the owner has, in the judgment of the Minister, been guilty in relation to the animal of an offence against the Act. This power has been exercised in the past, and I do not propose to seek further powers. I am under no obligation to require slaughter in cases of foot-and-mouth disease, but where the ownership of animals is assumed by the Ministry and they are slaughtered in the public interest, it is only equitable that the owner of the animals should receive compensation. It would be contrary to the public interest to deprive an owner of compensation where he has not been guilty of any offence.