§ 11. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of dealing with fowl pest during 1960; and how many birds have been destroyed.
Mr. VaneJust under 6 million birds were slaughtered during 1960 and £3,800,000 paid in compensation. The cost of disinfection and other expenses amounted to £673,000.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not this a rather dismal tale of ineffectual endeavour? I realise that the Government have appointed another Committee to look into this matter, but will the hon. Gentleman say what progress is being made in vaccine research to cope with this disease?
Mr. VaneFar from being a rather dismal tale of ineffectual endeavour, it shows that very brisk action is being taken to deal with a disease which has threatened our poultry industry very extensively. Research into vaccines is going on all the time, and my right hon. Friend's predecessor was not slow to appoint a very distinguished Committee to go into this development when it became apparent that the disease was still increasing in this country.