§ 58. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the evidence recently given by one of his officials at Coalville, Leicestershire, to the effect that foot-and-mouth disease might have been caused by tinned meat from the Argentine; and whether he will make a further statement on this subject.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsYes, Sir. Reports of the evidence given by one of my officers in the case referred to may have conveyed a misleading impression. It is known that infection may be carried in frozen and chilled carcases from South America, but I am advised that no apprehension need be felt as regards tinned meat since the process of manufacture would destroy any virus the meat might contain.
§ Mr. HouseIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a considerable opinion that foot-and-mouth disease is largely attributable to cattle grazing on land which has been doped with chemical fertilizers?
§ Mr. WilliamsThat is utterly contrary to all our expert advice.