§ 55. Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the origin and extent of the present series of auubreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in England and Wales.
§ Mr. SoamesThe first outbreaks in the present series were confirmed in Shropshire and Denbighshire on 15th February. Disease has also been confirmed in Cheshire, Warwickshire, Flint and Montgomery. Some, 'but not all, of these cases are thought to have spread from "primary" outbreaks in Shropshire and WarWickshire. Infective animals are believed to have passed through markets at Oswestry, from Which stock was distributed over a wide area. To help in tracing all these animals, controlled area restrictions covering 18 counties have been imposed. Unless something unforeseen happens, these restrictions will be lifted as from midnight tonight. The total number of confirmed cases since 15th February is 28.