HC Deb 25 July 1962 vol 663 c1447
1. Mr. P. Browne

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will announce the date early in 1963 upon which a compulsory policy for swine fever will be introduced.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Christopher Soames)

As I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) and the hon. Member for Blyth (Mr. Milne) on 18th July, it is too soon for me to give the exact date on which the slaughter policy will be introduced, but it remains my intention that a start should be made early in the New Year.

Mr. Browne

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that it would be of great help to farmers if he could announce well beforehand the date on which the scheme will start? One might suggest that it could be made earlier than he has anticipated in view of the amount of money he will save in respect of slaughter due to fowl pest.

Mr. Soames

As to the question of the date of announcement, I have in mind what my hon. Friend has said. I will announce it as soon as it is fixed.