§ 23. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his latest proposals to free Scotland of bovine tuberculosis.
§ Mr. MaclayI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 12th March to the right hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn).
§ Captain DuncanWould my right hon. Friend not agree with me in saying that the fact that we in Scotland will be 100 per cent. T. T. in two years' time—[HON. MEMBERS: "What?"]—is a great feather in the cap of Scottish farmers and a tribute to their efficiency and keenness?
§ Mr. MaclayI most certainly agree with that.
§ 24. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he is making to ensure an adequate supply of Irish tuberculin-tested feeding cattle for those farmers in Scotland who have traditionally bought this type of store, when Scotland becomes a 100 per cent. free testing area in two years' time.
§ Mr. MaclayI understand that the Irish Republican authorities are aware that in about 2½ years' time Scotland will become a fully attested area, and that they are now taking steps to expedite the eradication of tuberculosis from their own herds. These should result in the provision of tubercular-free stores in greater numbers in the future.
§ Captain DuncanIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a trickle of once-tested cattle coming over from Eire at present and that this is unsatisfactory because they have to be isolated for at least 60 days on the farmer's farm when they are bought from the dealer? Will he arrange with his area authorities that it will be T. T. cattle and not once-tested that will come over in two years' time, otherwise there will be a great lack of stores for the Scottish farmer?
§ Mr. MaclayMy hon. and gallant Friend will realise that in my original reply I said that the Eire authorities are fully aware of this problem and, I believe, are taking very effective steps to expedite the eradication of tuberculosis so that what we desire will be achieved.