§ 52. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture what further outbreaks of fowl pest have occurred in Norfolk; and the number of poultry involved.
Mr. T. WilliamsThere has been one further outbreak in Norfolk during the 1316 past week. There were 228 birds on the premises where the disease occurred, and all were slaughtered.
§ Mr. DyeIn view of the incidence of this disease and its disastrous nature should not there be a further inquiry into the best method of preventing its spread, in view of the enormous increase in poultry in the country?
Mr. WilliamsI can assure my hon. Friend that research is going on all the time in order to find a cure for, and also the prevention of, this disease.
Mr. WilliamsMy hon. Friend must know that during the whole of this year and last we have exercised control over the movement of poultry as between area and area, county and county, and as between England and Scotland, too.
§ Captain DuncanCan the Minister say what is the reason for this latest outbreak and whether his right hon. Friend the Minister of Food is the nigger in the woodpile?
Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that I did not convey the pest. It is just possible that the owner himself, who is a smallholder and who is also employed on the premises of a poulterer, who makes purchases over a wide area, conveyed the disease from where he works to his own smallholding.
§ Major Sir Thomas DugdaleHave there been any further outbreaks in the country during the past week?