582 
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. 
that meat was very dear, and that the Government regulations 
pressed heavily upon the importation of stock, to lead people to 
the inference that the Government made meat dear. With regard 
to Ireland, he held that it was impossible to treat it except as 
part of the United Kingdom. At the same time, he must admit 
that it seemed unfair to those interested in the foreign trade to 
insist upon their submitting to regulations which were not ex¬ 
acted in the case of Irish cattle. At the present moment the 
regulations in force in Ireland were the same as those obtaining 
in England, and as a recent deputation had strongly urged him to 
expunge foot-and-mouth disease from the Act, he considered that 
the regulations were now, at least, a reality. The Privy Council had 
from time to time, also, sent communications to the local autho¬ 
rities urging them to carry out the provisions of the Act. They 
had also recently undertaken the appointment of the veterinary 
inspectors, who were formerly appointed by the Customs. The 
Privy Council are now, therefore, responsible for the inspection 
of foreign cattle at the ports of landing. As to the home trade, 
the Government can do no more than (1) call the attention of the 
local authorities to the subject, and this is very often done; and 
(2) send an inspector to investigate the circumstances attending 
a bad outbreak of disease. If, however, the Society would make 
any positive and precise suggestions, he would undertake that 
they should receive the most careful consideration. He also 
suggested that the Society should use its influence with the 
farmers to use greater care, and on the local authorities to see 
that the provisions of the Act were complied with. 
Sir WatJcin Wynn having asked whether the boats plying to 
and from Ireland are properly examined, and Mr. Statter having 
stated that, in his opinion, these vessels are the most fruitful 
centres of infection, 
Mr. Forster replied that in consequence of reports that had 
been received by the veterinary department, he sent an inspector 
to Bristol, and afterwards issued an Order in Council, of a very 
strong character if the local authorities would see it carried out, 
having for its object (1) to diminish cruelty, and (2) to provide 
for disinfection. Although a strong deputation had protested 
against the proposal, it was afterwards settled in concurrence 
with the interested parties. He considered that the Society 
might usefully exert pressure in this matter also, but that it was 
impossible for the central government to do more than give power 
to the local authorities; and public opinion would not sanction 
the Government taking the power out of their hands. 
Mr. Torr (Aylesby Manor, Lincolnshire) mentioned the in¬ 
creased virulence which was characteristic of the present outbreak, 
and chiefly its greater effect on the feet, so that the animals cannot 
