HC Deb 30 June 1955 vol 543 c484
23. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken in the County of Gloucester to secure tubercular-free areas among cattle.

Mr. Amory

My Department is encouraging farmers to join the voluntary Attested Herds Scheme, and I hope very much that farmers in Gloucestershire will press on with voluntary attestation in readiness for inclusion in a tuberculosis eradication area in due course.

Mr. Hastings

Can the right hon. Gentleman say approximately what proportion of our herds are now tubercle-free?

Mr. Amory

I am tempted to chance my arm, but I would rather the hon. Gentleman put down a Question to me about that in case I should not be accurate. I am, however, much encouraged by the general progress.