HC Deb 02 May 1962 vol 658 cc1005-6
14. Sir Richard Glyn

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the Plant Committee's Report, he will consider abandoning the present slaughter policy in future outbreaks of fowl pest, and whether, as a first step, he will exempt from slaughter poultry on holdings adjoining each farm on which fowl pest has been confirmed when such poultry can be shown to have been vaccinated with a suitable vaccine in conditions laid down by his Department.

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

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Sir A. Hurd) on 12th April.

Sir Richard Glyn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when this policy of slaughter was undertaken the disease was invariably fatal to birds and it was hoped to prevent it becoming endemic? Since it has become endemic and has ceased to be fatal—birds recover if they are permitted to do so—and in view of the difficulties of equitably assessing compensation, will my right hon. Friend look at this matter again?

Mr. Soames

This is an important aspect of the discussions we are having with the Joint Committee representing all the interests of the poultry industry.

Mr. Peart

When will the Government make up their mind on policy? When will they decide either to implement or not to implement the Plant Committee's Report? Why the long delay?

Mr. Soames

The Report was not published until March of this year.