§ 45. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will introduce regulations to secure that all swill from military camps and large catering establishments must be properly processed before being fed to pigs.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. Tom Williams)As my right hon. Friend stated in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for West Perth (Mr. Snadden) on 5th October, arrangements have been made in the great majority of the large urban areas for the central processing of as much swill as possible, including swill from many catering establishments. Swill from many military establishment which are within a reasonable distance from a central processing plant with adequate capacity is being treated at the plant, but after thorough investigation with the War Office it has been found impracticable under war conditions to make arrangements for the processing of all swill from all military camps.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that, since that reply was given, outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have become frequent, and that the position is now grave? What action will he now take to prevent further outbreaks of the disease?
§ Mr. WilliamsMy right hon. Friend is aware that outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have taken place, but is of opinion that further regulations are not required. There is great difficulty in ensuring that the Regulations in existence are strictly enforced. Letters have recently been sent to all local authorities asking them to take all practicable steps to ensure stricter enforcement of the Regulations.
§ Mr. SnaddenIs my right hon. Friend aware that more than 70 outbreaks have taken place in the country in 1944? Does that not in itself prove that existing Regulations are ineffective?
§ Mr. WilliamsMy right hon. Friend is made aware very quickly of outbreaks of disease
§ Mr. TurtonIn view of the gravity of the situation I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment, at the earliest opportunity.