HC Deb 06 May 1963 vol 677 cc4-5
6. Mr. Hilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much was paid in compensation to poultry keepers in Norfolk arising from fowl pest during each of the last four financial years.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

In the 1962–63 financial year, the amount of compensation payable to poultry keepers in Norfolk was £2,170,000. In the three financial years immediately preceding compensation amounted to £1,091,000, £1,206,000 and £1,009,000.

Mr. Hilton

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that this was a lot of money to pay in compensation for this disease? Can he give any idea as to the success of vaccination against fowl pest? Are more people availing themselves of the opportunity of taking up the cheap vaccine, and, if not, will he try to spread abroad the advantage of vaccination against this disease?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that a lot of money was spent, but he will realise that the compensation was for those healthy birds which were slaughtered during the eradication procedure. Concerning the vaccination policy, I am glad to say that in his county 60 per cent. of the poultry has been covered, but, of course, it is not anything like as much as one would want. We are doing what we can to get 80 per cent. coverage throughout the country.

Sir A. Hurd

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how the Norfolk figure of 60 per cent. compares with the figures for the country as a whole? Was not the objective 85 per cent.?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The figure of 60 per cent. on comparative figures is good, but one wants to have 85 per cent. throughout the country before one can be satisfied that this new vaccine has been given a chance to operate successfully.

Mr. Bence

In view of the high amount paid in compensation, is the hon. Gentleman making inquiries and investigation to see that hygienic condition; are maintained in poultry keeping?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The hon. Gentleman will realise that the compensation figures I referred to were when we were having a slaughter policy, which has now ceased. We are now subsidising to a certain extent vaccine for poultry keepers.