HC Deb 09 November 1959 vol 613 cc6-7
11. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce legislation to provide the payment of compensation in the case of swine fever on the same basis as compensation payment for foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. John Hare

I have no power to pay compensation for animal disease, but only for animals slaughtered by my Department to prevent the spread of certain diseases. Slaughter is not at present applied to herds affected with swine fever. I have under review the measures taken to deal with outbreaks of swine fever, but I am not in a position to make a statement.

Sir C. Taylor

Will my right hon. Friend be in a position to make a statement about this matter fairly shortly, and also about a matter which is akin to it, that is, fowl pest?

Mr. Hare

I would rather not commit myself to any definite date, but I will certainly do my best.