§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether there is any code of published instructions issued by the Government of Argentina to the staff of inspectors employed in the frigorificos of the Republic which slaughter meat for export; and, if so, if he will state the exact terms of the instructions as to the procedure in eases where they discover the animal to be affected with the disease of caseous lymphadenitis?
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§ Mr. HACKINGI have a translation of the Decree of 31st October, 1927, which aims at the prevention of the slaughter of infected animals. I also have a copy of the amendments made on 27th January, 1928. As these Decrees, however, do not contain the exact instructions issued to inspectors, I will endeavour to obtain the necessary information through His Majesty's Ambassador in Buenos Aires, and will communicate the result of my inquiries to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that during the last six months a certain number of sheep from Argentina have arrived in this country with the glands of the legs and shoulders carefully trimmed out and dressed in such a manner that meat inspectors in Great Britain have great difficulty in deciding whether the carcases are affected or not with caseous lymphadenitis;and whether he will instruct all inspecting authorities that where they find the vital points for inspection have been removed in this manner they should condemn the whole carcase as unfit for human consumption?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend understands that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. The view adopted by my Department and by local authorities generally is that the removal of the lymphatic glands, which are likely to be affected with caseous lymphadenitis, constitutes sufficient evidence to justify the seizure and condemnation of the carcase on account of that disease. My right hon. Friend does not think that it is necessary to issue special instructions to local authorities on this point.