§ 22. Mr. Finlayasked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent fowl pest has now abated; and when he will be able to lift the ban against fewer than 25 head of live poultry being sent to a public market.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am sorry to say that fowl pest has not abated. There have been 457 outbreaks since 1st January, 1953, compared with 498 in the whole of 1952. I cannot say when it will be possible to lift the ban on fewer than 25 head of store poultry being sent to market.
§ Mr. FinlayIs my right hon. Friend aware that this ban operates partially on smallholders and will he consider, in individual areas where the position improves, relaxing it progressively?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am always ready to consider relaxing restrictions of this kind—I know they are irksome—but the whole point is to try to help the industry.