HC Deb 22 July 1963 vol 681 cc1040-1
24. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in Great Britain since July, 1962.

Mr. Soames

None, Sir. The last outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Wales was in June, 1962; in England in March, 1962, and in Scotland in February, 1961.

Sir A. Hurd

To what causes does my right hon. Friend attribute this very satisfactory clean bill of health for twelve months? In the past, we have had reason to believe that infection has come from the Continent of Europe and from the Argentine. Has my right hon. Friend any evidence that Continental countries are tightening up their arrangements and clearing themselves of foot-and-mouth disease and that the Argentine is observing more closely the rules which we require to be applied as health safeguards to meat which is sent to this country?

Mr. Soames

There are three major factors in the improvement. The first is our own slaughter policy, to which we have held throughout. The second is improved control of foot-and-mouth disease in the Argentine, the banning of pig meat and offal from South America and the close control which is exercised by those countries over meat exported to this country. In addition, all neighbouring European countries now also have a slaughter policy and this, supported by the vaccination which they also carry out, has greatly reduced the incidence of disease on the Continent and, therefore, the danger of its being transmitted here.

Mr. Peart

Although the position is satisfactory, may I ask the Minister not to be complacent, despite the supplementary question by his hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Sir A. Hurd)? We must still maintain vigilance.

Mr. Soames

Of course, we are vigilant and the slaughter policy continues. I hope that I am not tempting Providence if I say that this is the first time since 1918 that Great Britain has been free from the disease for more than twelve months.