HC Deb 11 May 1964 vol 695 cc6-7
7. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when it is intended to introduce a programme to eliminate brucellosis; what estimate he has made of the cost; and how many years there would be before the country was free from infection.

Mr. Soames

I cannot at present estimate accurately how much time or money it would take to eradicate this disease. A survey of brucellosis in dairy herds has been carried out, and will be published by the Autumn. I intend to review this question, including the veterinary manpower available and the likely cost, when I have received this report.

Mr. Kitson

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he consider starting an eradication programme on a regional basis, as we did with T.B., because I think that we are getting very much left behind in this and that we should start an eradication scheme as soon as possible?

Mr. Soames

When we see the whole picture in this country, which we shall be able to do from the survey which is being carried out, we can decide whether we should proceed on a national basis or region by region.

Mr. Vane

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that brucellosis eradication is being given at least the same priority now as it was a few years ago, not least because there is in this a hazard to human health as well as to animal health?

Mr. Soames

Yes, but the incidence which we think we shall find from the survey, coupled with the fact that over 96 per cent. of our milk is pasteurised, is a very different situation on both counts from that which exists in many countries which put more effort into the eradication of brucellosis. In recent years we have concentrated the efforts of our veterinary staff on many things—on tuberculosis, on fowl pest and on swine fever. We have mounted an all-out attack on these diseases. I can assure my hon. Friend that what we are doing in regard to brucellosis will be kept up until we take a decision on the major point.

Mr. Kitson

I beg to give notice that, owing to the importance of this matter, I shall raise it on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.