§ 32. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the conclusions which he has reached on the representations made to him by the Royal Agricultural Society of England urging, in the interest of British stockbreeders and taxpayers, the need for more effective measures to check the introduction of such diseases as foot-and-mouth disease, sheep scab, and anthrax through imported meat and livestock.
§ Mr. GodberSo far as foot-and-mouth disease is concerned, discussions are proceeding with the Argentine authorities about the suggestion that animals slaughtered for the supply of meat to this country should undergo a period of quarantine. As regards sheep scab and anthrax, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that it would not be practicable to impose further statutory safeguards, but representations have been made to the Governments of Northern Ireland and of the Irish Republic about the eradication of sheep scab in those countries.
§ Mr. HurdI welcome that Answer, but are we making it clear to our friends in South America that if they want to continue to enjoy the use of the British market they must be able to: give their produce a clean bill of health?
§ Mr. GodberYes, it is a very imporportant point, and I know that my right hon. Friend was very glad to have the views of the Royal Agricultural Society on this matter when representatives of the Society came to see him. Our officials in the Argentine are very much alive to this and we are impressing it on the Argentinians.
Mr. T. WilliamsAre we still exporting to South America vaccines for use for animals to be exported?
§ Mr. GodberI should be grateful if the right hon. Gentleman would put down that question.