§ 34. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now received assurances from the Argentine Government that measures are being taken to tighten up the precautions to prevent foot-and-mouth disease infection reaching this country through chilled and frozen meat shipped from Argentina; and what action the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations is taking to assist the South American countries in clearing up the disease.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)We are constantly reminding the Argentine Government 570 of our concern about foot-and-mouth disease, and I am advised that the Argentine authorities are co-operating fully in the operation of precautionary measures which have recently been strengthened. The fifth session of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which met in April of this year, discussed the extent to which outbreaks of this disease in Europe might be attributable to imported South American meat. Following this, the Food and Agriculture Organisation invited my Chief Veterinary Officer to accompany the chief of their Animal Production Branch on a visit to South American countries. They have just concluded their visit to the Argentine. Their purpose is to study and report upon the situation generally, and, in particular, upon the control measures which are being pursued. I welcome F.A.O.'s initiative in this matter, which, I hope, will be of benefit both to South American and European countries and ourselves, in particular.
§ Mr. HurdIn view of the very heavy cost that falls on us through foot-and-mouth disease reaching this country from Argentine meat, costing about £1 million last year, will my right hon. Friend promise to pursue the matter with the utmost energy? When he has the report of the F.A.O. experts we shall know about it and take whatever action is appropriate.
§ Mr. HareAs my hon. Friend knows, I am as interested in this matter as he is, and I will certainly follow it up with all possible vigour.