§ 39. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what would be the estimated cost of carrying out an eradication scheme for brucellosis in cattle; and whether he will institute such a scheme in Scotland.
§ Mr. RossAs my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has already stated, the estimated cost of an immediate slaughter policy for the eradication of brucellosis in cattle is for Great Britain, between £35 million and £50 million, of which the Scottish share is between £8 million and £10 million. It does not take into account the cost of testing and administration, which would be substantial.
My right hon. Friend and I are at present considering what steps should be taken to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. BrewisWhile thanking the Secretary of State for his reply, may I ask him whether he does not think that we may not be able not to afford such a scheme? As so many other countries are introducing schemes, for us not to do so might well damage our exports very badly.
§ Mr. RossI agree with the hon. Member about the inherent difficulties, and that is why we are examining all the possibilities in relation to what can be done.
§ Mr. StodartWill the right hon. Gentleman do his very best to keep his nose ahead of his right hon. Friend in this matter? As we were in the lead in Scotland for the eradication of T.B., will he do his best to get a scheme for the eradication of brucellosis started as soon as possible?
§ Mr. RossWe have to work on a United Kingdom basis, as the hon. Gentleman knows, and we work closely together and very successfully.