HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc1896-7
52. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the satisfactory experience in Australia of using high pressure sprays in place of baths for dipping, sheep, he will amend the Sheep Dipping Regulations to permit farmers in this country to adopt this less laborious method.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

No, Sir, the Regulations in this country requiring sheep to be dipped relate only to sheep scab, a disease which has not existed in Australia for many years. There is nothing to prevent farmers from using sprays when treating sheep for any condition other than scab; but I am not satisfied that, under our field conditions, the spraying of sheep for scab would be as effective as dipping.

Mr. Hurd

Will the right hon. Gentleman have some experiments carried out by the Agricultural Improvement Council, or some other competent body, so that we may know by another year whether this is a satisfactory and economical method?

Mr. Williams

That is worth thinking about.