HC Deb 03 March 1947 vol 434 c26
51. Mr. House

asked the Minister of Agriculture how long it is anticipated that Windsor Great Park and forest will be closed owing to foot and mouth disease; and how many cattle have been slaughtered in the general area under the order.

Mr. T. Williams

Windsor Forest has not been closed, and the greater part of the Park including Virginia Water and the main public road is open to the public. That part of the Park which is farmed has been closed in order to minimise the risk of infection from foot-and-mouth disease. It will be reopened as soon as restrictions in the infected area have been lifted. As regards the second part of the Question, 131 cattle and 1,125 pigs have been slaughtered in the infected area.

Mr. House

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable evidence indicating that disease in cattle is largely attributable to the use of chemical fertilisers, and will he use his influence to condemn the use of chemical and artificial fertilisers?

Mr. Williams

I am afraid this is the first time I have heard of that.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the Minister sprinkle the Government with chemical fertilisers?