§ 25. Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the effect in the United Kingdom of the better control of foot-and-mouth disease in countries shipping meat to Great Britain and the proposals advanced by the Argentine Government to this end, he now proposes to strengthen his Department's veterinary staff in South America.
§ Mr. John HareYes, Sir. The report made by my Chief Veterinary Officer after he had visited South America as consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1958 called attention to the advantages that would accrue from more vigorous foot-and-mouth disease control in South American countries. An additional veterinary officer of my Department is going to South America very shortly to give further assistance to the authorities there.
§ Sir A. HurdWhile welcoming that appointment, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he will take the opportunity to impress on the Argentine Government and other Governments concerned in the Americas our very close interest in seeing that they really do get ahead now 917 with clearing their countries from foot-and-mouth disease, stage by stage, starting preferably with vaccination?
§ Mr. HareI am glad my hon. Friend has asked that question. I will certainly do that. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking my hon. Friend for the very considerable personal interest he has taken in this matter.