459 



milk production on small holdings of 20 to 30 acres. Much 

 attention has been given to the question of clean milk produc- 

 tion, and the desirability of promoting this is being commended 

 to Local Authorities. 



Small Live Stock. — Another field for development concerns 

 the small live stock industry — chiefly poultry, rabbits and goats 

 — which was badly organised and to some extent overlooked 

 before the War, but is now recognised as an important source 

 of cheaply-produced food. Education and research are needed, 

 and the Report shows the action taken in promoting such 

 schemes as the Ministry's Egg and Chick Distribution Scheme, 

 and in furthering research into poultry and rabbit problems. 

 The Scheme for the establishment of a National Poultry In- 

 stitute was originated during the period. The Poultry Advisory 

 Committee, set up by Lord Ernie in 1917, was reconstituted 

 in 1920. the new Committee consisting of six members nomi- 

 nated by the National Poultry Council and three by the 

 Ministry. 



Diseases of Animals. — In connection with animal diseases the 

 period was marked by an outbreak of rabies — with a total of 

 328 cases — which was effectually stamped out, and by the 

 biggest invasion of foot-and-mouth disease which this country 

 has known for 30 years, and which was also successfully dealt 

 with. An important change in the official procedure for dealing 

 with animal diseases is recorded. Before, the administration 

 was entrusted to the Animals Division, while the Veterinary 

 Department dealt with technical matters and research. Re- 

 search is, however, rapidly discovering alternative methods of 

 control, and the connection between scientific and administra- 

 tive knowledge grows more intimate. The control and whole 

 conduct of administration have therefore recently been put into 

 the hands of the Chief Veterinary Officer. 



Amongst the miscellaneous schemes referred to are the Sugar 

 Beet Factory at Kelham, erected by the Home-Grown Sugar 

 Corporation, half the capital of which was subscribed by the 

 Ministry, and the Methwold estate of 1,500 acres of poor sandy 

 soil, which the Ministry is endeavouring to reclaim. 



The above notes show that the Report covers a wide field 

 and should nppeal to a large circle of readers. It should be 

 particularly useful to local authorities — whether county com- 

 mittees or governing bodies of colleges and research institutes 

 — to whom the execution of much of the work is entrusted, and 

 without whose whole-hearted co-operation little progress would 

 have been possible. 



