§ 40. Sir MALCOLM BARCLAY-HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage and co-ordinate research into grass sickness in horses; and what steps the Department of Agriculture for Scotland is taking to deal with this question?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe Animals Diseases Research Association in consultation with the Scottish Board of Veterinary Research has conducted prolonged and difficult investigations of this obscure and serious disease. At the request of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland the Agricultural Research Council recently reviewed the association's programmes of work and thereafter stated their view that these had been wisely planned and ably pursued, and that the failure so far to discover a cure has been due not to lack of efforts or of research workers but to the inherent difficulty of the problem. Proposals with estimates of costs for extended investigation have been submitted by the association and are at present being considered by the Department and the council. I would assure my hon. Friend that no effort will be spared to discover the cause of the disease and the means of its prevention or cure.
§ Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTIs my right hon. Friend aware whether this association is amply equipped with funds and staff to do this job properly?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThat was the opinion of the Agricultural Research Council.
§ Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTIs my right hon. Friend aware that that is not an opinion shared by any responsible agriculturist?
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYCan my right hon. Friend say how many men are actually engaged in this research?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNot without notice.