§ 51. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as many sheep die annually from diseases for which preventive vaccines exist, all farmers are fully informed of these; and whether it is obligatory in the national interest to use these preventive methods?
Mr. HudsonInformation as to the use and value of sera and vaccine for preventing sheep diseases has been disseminated widely by veterinary surgeons, by the Press, and in all other available ways. Since last summer veterinary inspectors of my Department have been specially detailed for advisory work in hill sheep farming areas and to bring the value of preventive treatment to the attention of sheep owners. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.
§ Mr. AdamsIn view of the very large number of these animals which are lost each year, does the Minister not consider that he ought to take powers to make it compulsory for these preventive measures to be used?
§ Mr. Wootton-DaviesWould the Minister consider supplying these vaccines free?
§ 52. Mr. Adamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that throughout the country adequate laboratory services are at the disposal of farmers and veterinary practitioners, so that diseases can be diagnosed and preventive measures adopted without delay?
Mr. HudsonI am satisfied that the existing laboratory services are adequate for the present demand but that there is ample scope for making greater use of laboratory services for diagnosis of animal diseases.
§ Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that certain Border farmers are complaining about the lack of the facilities to-day?