41. Mr. Robertsonasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken to provide sheep farmers with a supply of vaccines and serums against sheep illnesses at reduced prices; and with what result?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMy hon. Friend may be aware of the arrangements under which vaccines and sera are supplied at reduced prices in Scotland to members of the Animal Diseases Research Association and in North-East England to subscribers to the Alan Duke of Northumberland Memorial Fund. On the recommendation of the Sheep Diseases Committee of the Agricultural Research Council, endorsed by the Council, discussions at which trade representatives were present were initiated by the Ministry towards the end of last year with the object of securing the introduction, on a wider basis, of a scheme for the supply of vaccines and sera at reduced prices. So far, however, it has proved impracticable to devise arrangements acceptable to all interested parties, but the question is still under active consideration.
§ Mr. WilliamsThe meetings referred to were attended by representatives of the trade, of the Agricultural Research Council and of both agricultural Departments.
Mr. RobertsonIs it not a fact that the drug houses, which are making very substantial profits on vaccines, are the sole cause of the holding-up of this important work, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that their resistance is broken down immediately and vaccines brought within the reach of fanners who cannot afford to buy them?
§ Mr. WilliamsThat is another question.