HC Deb 29 July 1946 vol 426 cc514-5
54. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now reimpose the Warble Fly (Dressing of Cattle) Order, 1936, suspended during the war.

49. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Fox

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are to be taken before 1947 to deal with the labour shortage which has prevented the reimposition of the Warble Fly Order; and whether he will reintroduce the Order as soon as the labour shortage has been disposed of.

Mr. Collick

The operation of the Order which required all cattle visibly infested with warble fly maggots to be treated with prescribed dressing during mid-March to end of June, was is spended in 1942 chiefly because of the impossibility of obtaining supplies of derris and in a lesser degree to shortage of labour. I hope that it may be possible to reimpose the Order next spring.

Mr. Lewis

In view of a number of Questions which have been put down on the constant procrastination in regard to this matter, why do we have to wait until next spring before this Order is reim-posed? Hides are being ruined, the yield of milk and meat is suffering, and £130,000 per annum is being lost by the Ministry of Food in regard to these hides.

Mr. Collick

Because it is in spring that the warble fly does its damage.

Hon. Members: Oh, does it?

Sir W. Smithers

Like the Socialists.