HC Deb 24 June 1963 vol 679 cc938-9
41. Mr. Hilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recent outbreak of fowl plague in Norfolk which necessitated the slaughter of 29,000 turkeys; and what are the most effective ways of preventing the spread of this disease.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Scott-Hopkins)

This outbreak was the first recorded here for over thirty years and our veterinary staff are making urgent inquiries into its origins. Fowl plague has effects similar to those of the per-acute form of Newcastle disease, but is caused by a different virus. Since there is no satisfactory vaccine for fowl plague, we have retained a policy of slaughter with compensation, which is the most effective way of controlling the disease.

Mr. Hilton

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that this is the same firm which, during three years recently, as a result of fowl pest, was paid about £600,000 in compensation? Will he say how much compensation is likely to be paid in this case and, what is more important, take every step possible to ensure that there is no further outbreak of this new plague disease on land in the ownership of this firm?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

We are doing everything we can to stop the spread of this form of disease by our slaughter policy. As for the first part of the supplementary question, it is not our practice to disclose the amount paid to, and the private affairs of, the people concerned.

Mr. Hilton

Surely it is in the interests of the taxpayers that the amount paid in compensation resulting from an outbreak such as this should be revealed? On similar occasions I have tabled Questions and received the information. If the Parliamentary Secretary wishes me to table a further Question in order to get the information I will certainly do so, but surely if he has information he should give it to the House.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

We have not finished estimating the actual amount to be paid in respect of the present outlay. The hon. Gentleman knows that he can find the full amount which is paid during the year by looking at the Appropriation Account.