§ 38. Sir J. Duncanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action, arising from the resolution passed by the recent International Veterinary Congress at Madrid, he is taking to maintain contact with other Governments interested in research into foot-and-mouth disease, with the object of ensuring that other countries, particularly the American countries, understand that the United Kingdom is not a foot-and-mouth country.
§ Mr. John HareI can assure my hon. Friend that we take every opportunity afforded by our close contact with other countries, particularly through international organisations concerned with veterinary matters, to make it clear to them that foot-and-mouth disease is not endemic in Great Britain.
§ Sir J. DuncanWill my right hon. Friend say what success he has had in the South American countries?
§ Mr. HareI can tell my hon. Friend that we are continually bringing to the attention of South American Governments the fact that foot-and-mouth is not endemic in this country. We have our own veterinary advisers in South America, and they have a particular role. We also make these points clear through ordinary diplomatic channels. It is a question of continuing to educate.