HC Deb 30 April 1953 vol 514 cc2322-3
6. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will attach to provincial headquarters of the National Agricultural Advisory Service a specialist poultry veterinary officer.

Sir T. Dugdale

No, Sir. In my view, the arrangements for co-operation between the poultry advisory officers of the National Agricultural Advisory Service and the Ministry's veterinary staff make such an appointment unnecessary.

7. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will authorise an in crease in the number of research workers engaged in fowl pest disease and other poultry diseases.

Sir T. Dugdale

As I indicated in reply to a Question yesterday by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom), the question of increasing the amount of research into poultry diseases is at present under review. I would prefer to await the results of this review before reaching any conclusions as to the need for additional research workers.

Sir L. Ropner

May I ask that my supplementary question be allowed to refer also to the answer to Question No. 6? Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is no actual, or even threat, of any great increase in poultry diseases provided that certain steps are taken?

Sir T. Dugdale

I shall never be satisfied about this, but the position is rather better now than it was earlier in the year. It may interest the House to know that the main centres which carry out research into poultry disease are the Ministry's laboratories at Weybridge and at Lass-wade, which have an international reputation; the Rowett Research Institute at Aberdeen, and the Animal Health Trust Poultry Research Station at Houghton.

Mr. G. Jeger

Is the Minister satisfied that the present research organisation is collaborating with similar organisations in other countries, particularly in view of the fact that most fowl diseases are imported from other countries?

Sir T. Dugdale

In general terms, there is the closest possible relationship between the veterinary service in this country and in other countries. As far as this point is concerned I will assure myself that it is satisfactory.