HC Deb 16 November 1931 vol 259 cc493-4
30. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has considered the latest report of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee as affecting the risks involved in the importation of dried milk and other milk products from foreign countries where disease is prevalent; and what conclusion he has reached?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have considered the report referred to, and while it would appear from the laboratory experiments so far conducted that milk powder, in common with many other commodities, may be a potential carrier of foot-and-mouth disease, it has not been demonstrated that the virus survives in milk powder under trade conditions. The practicability of carrying out further tests under trade conditions is under consideration.

Mr. HURD

Realising the importance of this matter, will my right hon. Friend expedite this further investigation?

Sir J. GILMOUR

There will be no delay.