HC Deb 10 November 1947 vol 444 cc23-4
48. Mr. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the concern felt in the County of Norfolk and else where over the still serious position in regard to fowl pest; and what further steps he is taking to stamp out this disease.

63. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture what further steps he is taking to overcome fowl pest in view of the increase of this disease in September last.

Mr. T. Williams

I share the concern felt in many parts of the country about the spread of fowl pest; I have made an Order under the Diseases of Animals Acts restricting in a large part of England, the sale, exhibition and movement of poultry, and the operations of dealers. I hope that these measures will quickly reduce the incidence of the disease.

Mr. Baldwin

Does not the Minister consider that the time is ripe to prohibit the importation of all poultry from the Continent, whether alive or dead, in view of the very virulent nature of this pest? Does not the Minister consider that the food in this country has been reduced rather than increased by importing this poultry into this country from abroad?

Mr. Williams

No, Sir. The importation of live birds from any country in which fowl pest is known to exist is prohibited. The Ministry of Food have restricted the importation of dead poultry from Europe to carcasses which have been eviscerated, beheaded and have had their legs removed.

58. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, with a view to assisting in preventing the spread of fowl pest, he will introduce regulations stopping hunting from taking place in infected areas.

Mr. T. Williams

No, Sir. I am advised that there is no evidence that would connect hunting with the present spread of infection.

Mr. Gooch

Does my right hon. Friend agree that very much alarm has been caused by the continuance of hunting in areas where there is fowl pest; and, in any case, does not he agree that the people engaged in hunting would be better employed lifting sugar beet?

Mr. Speaker

That is a matter of opinion.