Poultry Diseases

HC Deb 06 June 1957 vol 571 c1439

6. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated annual loss caused by poultry diseases.

Mr. Amory

I regret that sufficient information is not available for a satisfactory estimate to be given.

Mr. Willey

Is the Minister aware that the estimate given by some authorities is as high as £20 million a year? In view of this, does he not think it is necessary to devote much more money and effort to research in this direction?

Mr. Amory

I am aware of the estimate to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. As regards expenditure on research, it is not only a question of money but a question of there being a sufficient supply of qualified people willing to devote themselves to that research. I can assure him that we have not shown ourselves niggardly, and do not intend to, as to the amount of money devoted to agricultural research.